Lara Downes: THIS LAND

SCOTT JOPLIN& THE AMERICAN SOUND

Iconoclastic pianist and cultural visionary Lara Downes presents THIS LAND: SCOTT JOPLIN & THE AMERICAN SOUND imagining the future of our nation through a probing, nuanced reflection on the kaleidoscopic diversity of stories and journeys that have converged and collided throughout American history. An artist renowned for her musical explorations off the beaten path, Lara explores the music and legacy of Scott Joplin, a century of progress, and the contrasts and contradictions that shape our American life.

As we approach the 250th anniversary of the founding of this nation, Downes celebrates the beauty of the American experiment, originating with the promise of life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness, while also offering an unflinching acknowledgement of our nation’s flaws and failings and ultimately embracing the power of hope and humanity as a pathway forward to common ground and a brighter future. 

THIS LAND reflects on the independent and innovative essence of American music, traveling back to its blended roots and complex origins. Downes explores the musical manifestation of the American promise, often expressed by those who have had to fight the hardest to attain it, through works that span a century and represent many different versions of being and becoming American.

PROGRAM

Traditional/Aaron Copland: Long Time Ago

William Benton Overstreet: There’ll Be Some Changes Made

Scott Joplin: Prelude from Treemonisha; Weeping Willow; The Chrysanthemum; Bethena; Solace; ReflectionRag; Magnetic Rag; Maple Leaf Rag

Kian Ravaei: Variations on “This Land is Your Land” *

Elie Siegmeister: American Sonata

Valerie Coleman: Life*

Angelica Negrón: Sueño Recurrente

Paul Simon: America

Joseph C. Phillips, Jr: Never Has Been Yet *

Michael Begay: Adéihozhdílzin / Know Who You Are *

Traditional: 900 Miles

Margaret Bonds: Spiritual Suite

Jake Heggie: Facing Forward *

George Gershwin: Rhapsody in Blue

* composed for Lara Downes