Darius Taylor, a Vocal Music Performance major from Jackson, performed his junior recital in the Blankenship Recital Hall Nov. 10.
He was accompanied by pianist Gene Cline and performed selections from Hugo Wolf, Francis Poulenc, Giacomo Puccini and Ralph Vaughan Williams.
Taylor, who has always had a passion for music said he “came out of the womb singing.” He always sang around the house and at church. His singing debut was at his pre-school graduation.
Taylor began at UTM as an education major but as his classes progressed, so did his love for opera.
“As I progressed and sang more and learned of this different world of opera, I became more interested in it. Eventually I told myself I really want to be on the stage,” Taylor said. “I get a thrill out of performing for crowds. I get nervous before hand, but that pushes me to do even better.”
After Taylor finishes his education at UTM, he will be looking at graduate schools for performance and also Young Artists programs to spend time honing his craft as an opera singer, finding the niches of his voice that will help him have a long and healthy career.
Of the pieces Taylor performed during his recital, the most impactful song for his journey was “I have trod the Upward and the Downward Slope”.
“It lends itself to how long I have been here and how I have gotten to do so many things, such as performances and classes,” Taylor said. “And in that part of the piece, he [the composer] is just reflecting on how his life has been fulfilled and how he has done everything he has wanted to do and he is happy. He can finally rest.”
Taylor explained that much of his recital was influenced by his mentor Roberto Mancusi, an associate professor of music.
“Seeing Dr. Mancusi’s life and his amazing career has helped me know that it is something worth getting in to and it is worth persevering,” Taylor said.
Taylor encourages performance majors to take each day in stride. “Never put extra pressure on yourself to be perfect and to get a list of things done that you may not be ready for yet,” Taylor said. “I see many bury themselves in a heavy load, because they are passionate about what they are doing, but they burn themselves out. Learn to say no to some things, and never bite off more than you can chew.”
“Always find a way to relax and step back.”
