Martínez Senior Music Recital Set for April 25

University of the Ozarks senior Eber Martínez Renteral will present his senior recital at 7 p.m. on Thursday, April 25, in the Rowntree Recital Hall in the Walton Fine Arts Center.

The event is free and open to the public.

The tenor from Veracruz, Mexico, said he will be performing primarily classical songs from different countries.

"There will be some classic French romance, elegant Italian, and dramatic German," he said. "Also, a pinch of musical theater, pop, and Mexican folk music."

Martínez said knowing this will be his final concert at Ozarks "evokes conflicting emotions."

"I feel ready to get closure from my college journey, and I know this recital will bring it to me," he said. "On the other hand, I will miss the energy and acceptance of the Ozarks community towards the arts. There is a constant interest and support for artists that is hard to find outside. Nonetheless, I will try to make this performance the best possible, not only for me but also to encourage other students to share their talents and ideas. I hope that this recital can inspire someone to one day do the same or something even better."

Martínez will be accompanied on the piano by Walton Professor of Music Dr. Sharon Gorman, who is retiring at the conclusion of this semester.

"In my four years here, I have developed great respect and admiration for Dr. Gorman as a professional, as well as a genuine appreciation for her," Martínez said. "She has been really encouraging and helpful to me, both as a student and as a person. Every time we have had the opportunity to perform together, it feels natural. For me, it is an honor that we can simultaneously leave this University and with an experience that will remain in our memories."

Martínez, who is a math and music major, plans to attend graduate school following his graduation from Ozarks.

"Right now, I am looking forward to getting a master's degree in data analytics while both producing and releasing music of my own," he said. "My goal is to merge both of my majors in music production and analysis of the music market; mainly to give people the opportunity to share their talents, especially from Mexico and Central America. These are countries where artists have struggled for years to have decent incomes. I want to inspire a new culture where artists can obtain a quality lifestyle so they can keep our souls alive through their talents."

Topics: Music