Cuban violinist inspires A&T

As part of the University Lyceum Series, Jaime Jorge visited A&T with the hope to enlighten others with the inspirational sounds of his violin.

Students, falculty and members of the community filled the Webb Hall Auditorium on Tuesday, March 27 to view the concert. With background music provided by the Hungarian National Phil Harmonic Orchestra, Jorge performed a variety of tunes including works by Saint Saens, Anka, and Kreisler.

"I have a group of arrangers that help me to formulate my music and put it with the works of other artists," said Jorge.

Jorge makes no hesitation when describing the impact of God in his life and in his work. "I know that I was given this talent by God in order to share with others," said Jorge, "I classify my music as inspirational. I use gospel tools of classical and gospel music to inspire people."

"He did a great job and if he came back, I would come to see him perform again," said sophomore accounting major Robert Peterkin.

"I like classical music and I like the variety of music that he plays," said sophomore psychology major Kineisha Hunter.

Born in Cuba in 1970, Jaime Jorge began playing the violin at the age of five When he reached the age of ten his family immigrated the United States to escape communist Cuba. Jorge attended Loyola University of Chicago and initially planned to go to the University of Illinois Medical School, but after two years he chose to pursue his career as a violinist.

"I am always motivated and excited about sharing talent wherever I go. I want others to gain an appreciation for good music, and I want them to get excited and motivated to use their talents to the best of their ability," said Jorge.

Since 1988 Jorge has performed in 25 countries on five different continents, including South America, Europe, and Australia. He also has had the opportunity to perform for the king of Norway and Carnegie.

"Jamie Jorge gave an outstanding performance of sharing his talents as a violinist. It was well received by the A&T Aggie Family," said Dr. Nita Dewberry, Chairperson of the Department of Foreign Language, who co-hosted the event along with Dr. Michael Caldwell, chairperson of the music department.

"I thought it was very well carried out, in particular for this campus by exposing us to different issues and world views," commented junior history major Tonetta Landis.

Jorge has also released five albums with his last release in 1999 entitled "Christmas in the Aire". All five albums have also won the Angel Award for Instrumental Religious Album of the Year. He is now headed for gospel concert performances in California.