Beth Strassler, a mezzo soprano of Arundel, presented a senior vocal recital at Hebrew College in Newton, Mass. on  March 19.

In the first part of her program, she sang songs by Handel, Schubert, Beethoven, Mendelssohn, Menotti, Gretchaninoff, and Secunda. These works involved singing in English, German and Yiddish.

The second half of her program was entirely devoted in singing eight sacred compositions with texts in Hebrew and English, written by Dr. Morton Gold who served as accompanist for the program.

In the last composition Strassler asked the audience to join her in singing a hymn (by Gold) which was included in the program booklet. The booklet contained the texts used, as well as biographical information about the composers. 

The distinguished audience included the dean of the college, the choral director of the college, two cantors, students and faculty members of the school. In addition, members of the Congregation Etz Chayim of Biddeford and Temple Beth El in Portland were also in attendance. At the end of the program, Strassler and Gold received a sustained standing ovation 

Strassler will graduate with her ordination as cantor at commencement on June 4.