Spring 2026 Student Recitals

The Fil’s adult students took to the stage at 92nd Street Y’s Warburg Lounge on May 15 to showcase their progress and achievements over the past spring semester.

The Latin Ensemble opened the recital with a diverse set of songs from Latin America featuring vocalists George Ashiotis, Gloria Palacio, and Janise Hunter.  The program continued with a performance by the newly formed Guitar Ensemble, comprising of four guitar students, under the direction of Pablo Rodriguez.

A true variety of styles and genres was on display as the program shifted to solo piano works as well as vocalists singing musical theater, pop, and classical pieces.

The adult chorus concluded the program with a reprise of an arrangement of Carol King’s “You’ve Got a Friend”, which was performed recently at the 25th Fil at the Met Concert. 

The adult recital was also an opportunity to celebrate the retirement of longtime faculty member, John Sanfilippo. John came to the music school as a piano instructor and over the years has been a very versatile teacher – able to step into many different musical roles. He is also a master of braille music and taught countless students the basic principles. Lately, he was affectionately known as “Grandfather Braille”. Throughout the years John also honed his own skills by taking lessons and has been a stalwart tenor in the adult chorus, performing in every single Fil at the Met concert, except for the first one. John’s  service to the FMDG Music School was acknowledged with gifts and special messages from the students, faculty, and staff. 

Image description: A group of five musicians sitting and playing the guitar on stage.