Thirty-five piano students performed at their winter recital on Wednesday, Jan. 15. The recital was split into two parts – one at 6 p.m. and one at 7 p.m., with the beginner and intermediate students performing first and the advanced students performing second.

Parent and audience member Laila Khazai came to watch her daughter and freshman Alav Madani. According to Khazai, Madani seems far more comfortable in the piano program in addition to her weekly private lessons than when she started six years ago.

“I really like the fact that Bellaire has arts as part of their curriculum,” Khazai said. “They get a class every day, so [my daughter] basically gets to practice way more than before coming to Bellaire.”

The program featured 15 different composers, from Brahms to Debussy. Sophomore Simon Dargahi, who has played the piano for seven years, performed “Nocturne No. 20” by Frederic Chopin.

“When I play, I feel like all my problems are [solved],” Dargahi said. “It’s a heavenly feeling. I love going and playing on that grand piano.”

Performers began preparing their solo of choice early in the first semester. The experience was self-guided for students.

“After winter break, it was really hard to go back and practice,” Dargahi said. “It was kind of challenging.”

The piano program will host its spring recital in May. Students can stay updated by following @bhsorchpiano on Instagram.