THIS LAND

Iconoclastic pianist and cultural visionary Lara Downes presents THIS LAND, a probing, nuanced reflection on the kaleidoscopic diversity of stories and journeys that have converged and collided throughout American history, from an artist renowned for her musical explorations off the beaten path.

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 centers George Gershwin’s vision of the “musical kaleidoscope of America” within a collection that 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

W. Benton Overstreet: There’ll Be Some Changes Made

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

Paul Simon: America

Elie Siegmeister: American Sonata

Angelica Negrón: Sueño Recurrente

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

Michael Begay: Adéihozhdílzin / Know Who You Are *

Nathaniel Dett: The Place Where the Rainbow Ends

Traditional: 900 Miles

Margaret Bonds: Spiritual Suite

Jake Heggie: Facing Forward *

Scott Joplin: Prelude from Treemonisha; Magnetic Rag; The Chrysanthemum; Bethena ; Maple Leaf Rag

Missy Mazzoli: A Map of Laughter

George Gershwin: Rhapsody in Blue

Shawn Okbepholo: Amazing Grace

* world premiere recording