The opening performance of the Cerritos College Music Departments’ 2012 -2013 “Do You Hear What I Hear?” piano concert and lecture series was held on Friday.

“Beethoven: drama, passion and sheer beauty” was a composition of two of Beethoven’s most renowned sonatas, “Grande Sonate Pathetique” and “Moonlight Sonata” performed by piano instructor Sung Ae Lee.

The lecture preceding the performance was led by Director of the Applied Music & Piano Studies and founder of “Do You Hear What I Hear?” Christine Lopez.

“This lecture focused on two well-known sonatas (“Pathetique” and “Moonlight”) that any serious pianist needs to know, ” Lopez said.

“I taught (the lecture) in an hour-and-a-half. A lot was accomplished,” Lopez continued.

Besides explaining the importance of these sonatas, she also gave a brief history of Beethoven’s personal life and musical career.

Lee began with “Pathetique” and closed with “Moonlight Sonata.”

“Whenever I play I feel a connection, an emotional connection, like I feel what the audience feels,” Lee said.

Teaching at several campuses and being on the Cerritos College faculty for more than seven years, Lee knows the importance of good teaching.

“I have a great passion for teaching,” Lee said. “In order to be a good performer you need to be a good teacher.”

Lopez described Lee’s performance as “spectacular.”

“What can I say, she’s a professional, extremely musical and technically accomplished,” Lopez said.

Computer science major and a fan of Beethoven, Jesus Rodriguez, said “Her performance was great.”

The next performance in the series will be held at BC-51 on Oct. 19 from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., with guest artist Athea Waites of CSULB.