Frostburg State University Senior Recital Features Mezzo-Soprano Isabella McConnell in “Still Waters Run Deep”

Frostburg State University Senior Recital Features Mezzo-Soprano Isabella McConnell in "Still Waters Run Deep"

Oct 26, 2026 8:00 AM

Frostburg State University's Department of Music, Theatre and Dance will present the senior recital of mezzo-soprano Isabella McConnell, titled "Still Waters Run Deep," on Sunday, Nov. 8, at 7:00 p.m. in the Pealer Recital Hall of the Woodward D. Pealer Performing Arts Center. The performance is free and open to the public and will also be livestreamed; viewers may access the link at www.frostburg.edu/concerts.

McConnell will be accompanied by Dr. Ashley Lewis on piano. Guest artists joining the program include John McConnell III, baritone; Jelynna Horsey, soprano; Erica Records, mezzo-soprano; Daniel Hick, guitar; Zac Nelson, bass; Hanna Livingston, violin; and Dr. Mackenzie Jacob Lamont, drums.

The program spans classical, art song, musical theatre, and contemporary repertoire, featuring works by W.A. Mozart ("Voi che sapete" and "Als Luise die Briefe"), G.F. Handel ("Ombra mai fù"), Vincenzo Bellini ("Vaga luna"), Alessandro Scarlatti ("Se Florindo è fedele"), Antonín Dvořák ("Rings ist der Wald"), Robert Schumann ("Widmung"), Gabriel Fauré ("Automne" and "Lydia"), Kurt Weill ("My Ship"), Stephen Sondheim ("Moments in the Woods"), Thomas Sanders ("Birds," with John McConnell III and Daniel Hick), Dolly Parton ("Coat of Many Colors"), Anaïs Mitchell ("When the Chips Are Down," with Jelynna Horsey, Erica Records, Hannah Livingston, Zac Nelson, and Dr. Mackenzie Lamont), and Sierra Ferrell ("American Dreaming").

A Mountain Ridge High School graduate (Class of 2023, with honors), McConnell is pursuing a Bachelor of Music degree in the Music Industry track at Frostburg State University, with anticipated graduation in May 2027. She has been named to the Dean's List for Fall 2023, Spring 2024 and Spring 2026, and is a recipient of the FSU Purpose Scholarship. She is also a member of the National Honor Society. McConnell currently studies with FSU vocal instructor Meghan Nelson; earlier teachers include Dr. Chun-Ting Chao at FSU and Shelby Herbert.

The daughter of Heather and John McConnell II, McConnell plans to pursue a career in the music industry in a role she loves. She will complete an internship in spring 2027 that will provide firsthand industry experience and further develop her professional skills.