Plantation Performance at Magnolia Hall

Hattiesburg's Accento Trio delivered a flawless performace against a dramatic backdrop of stormy skies at Magnolia Hall on Mother's Day afternoon to the subdued accompaniment of thunder overhead.

Selections (in order) included:

• Suíte Brasileira with pianist Elizabeth Moak and flautist Danilo Mezzadri, both music professors at the University of Southern Mississippi in Hattiesburg;
• Three Irish Folksong Settings with Danilo Mezzadri, flute; and Susan Ruggiero, soprano;
• The Banana Song (Whistlin’ Tune) with Elizabeth Moak, piano
• Summerland with Elizabeth Moak, piano
• Judy's Rag with Elizabeth Moak, piano
• "Ill Know" and "If I were a Bell" from Guys and Dolls with Susan Ruggiero, soprano and Elizabeth Moak, piano
• Carmen Fantasy with Danilo Mezzadri, flute and Elizabeth Moak, piano
• Ah, vous dirai-je, maman with Susan Ruggiero, soprano, Danilo Mezzadri, flute and Elizabeth Moak, piano

I wish I'd had enough battery to get a sampling of every portion of the program. The final number with soprano singer Susan Ruggiero and flautist Danilo Mazzadri was an incredible demonstration of two instruments -- one vocal and the other mechanical -- playing in harmony together. A beautiful way to spend the afternoon.