Take a musical journey through America’s rich past with the “beloved and irreplaceable” (Gramophone Magazine) Grammy Award®–winning mezzo-soprano Susan Graham and the “adventurous and superb” (The New Yorker) Music from Copland House ensemble. The centerpiece of the evening highlights a major collaboration between Grammy®-winning composer Richard Danielpour and author and former U.S. Poet Laureate Rita Dove. Specifically written for the talents of Susan Graham and the ensemble, A Standing Witness is a robust song cycle that chronicles our history from the pivotal 1960s to today.
A NOTE FROM ARTISTIC DIRECTOR JOSEPH KALICHSTEIN:
Richard Danielpour’s fifteen songs, set to Pulitzer winner Rita Dove’s poetry, serve as a retrospective epic of America over the last half century. Harbison’s tongue-in-cheek yet masterful instrumental take on iconic Americana songs are a perfect antidote.
And, a warm welcome to Susan Graham!
Program:
PIERRE JALBERT - Crossings; JOHN HARBISON - Selections from Songs America Loves to Sing; RICHARD DANIELPOUR - A Standing Witness (Kennedy Center Commission - Music Accord)
Susan Graham, mezzo-soprano; Music from Copland House Ensemble