For the past eight years Tarleton State University’s Department of Fine Arts has hosted an annual Piano Festival. The two-day event brings a renowned artist to the students of the university and surrounding schools thanks to generous funding from the President’s Circle and ULTRA Club. The first day of the festival fell on Feb. 3 and was dedicated to a performance by Cecile Licad, which was open to the public. The second day was for students to play for Licad and for the two to work together.

Shortly before the performance, Dr. Leslie Spotz, associate professor of piano, said that the piece Licad would perform is, “as hard as it gets for piano. It is fiendishly difficult.” This statement was proven true time and time again throughout the performance.

Licad began to play “Sonata in B minor,” and the audience became aware of the talent sitting at the piano center stage. It started with one note, then another and another in slow succession. With little time to build up, Licad seemed to be playing at full speed; until she played faster and the complexity of the piece increased. Her authority over the instrument was awe-inspiring, sparking emotions visible in her as each of her fingers fell flawlessly into place. The filled room was silent with the exception of impossible passages and seamless melodies.

After the intermission Licad played Frederic Chopin’s “Twelve Etudes Op. 25.” The performance could only be described as beautiful, smooth and flowing. As a fellow artist, I noticed the conditioning and endurance in her hands was outstanding. Her coordination was impeccable as I could see the reflection of her hands in the gloss of the piano as she glided her fingertips across the keys. The inspirational piece was followed by a standing ovation from the audience, who could not contain their eagerness to cheer on gifted Licad.

Two encore performances left the audience still standing as they picked their jaws up off the floor. I was inspired and wanted more.

Licad stayed after the performance for cake and pictures with the audience. One fan that witnessed this amazing event came all the way from Indiana to see her play. She was very friendly and willing to meet with her new and veteran fans. I had a chance to briefly speak with her and asked what drives her ability to play so beautifully, she responded, “There is just something inside. I’m always searching for something new.” She went on to say that “every performance is something new.”