Monday, February 21, 2011

ArkansasOnline.com: 'Steinway Pianist Lara Downes to Perform All American Program, Little Rock' Feb. 24

[Lara Downes]

Florence Beatrice Smith Price (1887-1953) is profiled at AfriClassical.com, which features a complete Works List by Prof. Dominique-René de Lerma of Lawrence University Conservatory.

“featuring
Work by Historic Little Rock Composer
Presented by the Chamber Music Society of Little Rock
Where: Parish Hall, St. Mark’s Episcopal Church
1000 North Mississippi Avenue
Little Rock, AR
When: Thursday, February 24, 2011 7:30 PM
Tickets: Adult $25; Student $10
Information: (501) 661-0520
“Full bio and images available for download at:

“(2/9/2011) Little Rock, Arkansas – The Chamber Music Society of Little Rock will bring the music of a noted Little Rock native home when they present Steinway Concert Artist Lara Downes on Thursday evening, February 24th. Ms. Downes will perform her critically acclaimed concert program, THE AMERICANS. Called 'an American musical-vernacular celebration delivered with finesse' (Seattle Times), THE AMERICANS is a fascinating recital that highlights distinctly American voices of the 20th century – Aaron Copland, Samuel Barber, George Gershwin, Roy Harris and Little Rock born composer Florence Price. Ms. Price (1887-1953), a master artist unique to the nation, is considered to be the first black woman in the United States to be nationally recognized as a symphonic composer.

“Selected by the NEA for American Masterpieces funding as part of the University of Washington’s 2010-11 season, Ms. Downes’ vibrant, highly accessible program features perennial favorites such as Gershwin’s Rhapsody in Blue as well as lesser know works including Florence Price’s virtuoso solo piano masterpiece Fantasie Nègre:

“THE AMERICANS Program
Roy Harris: American Ballads
Samuel Barber: Excursions, Op. 20
Aaron Copland: Four Dance Episodes from Rodeo
Florence Price: Fantasie Nègre
Aaron Copland: Four Piano Blues
George Gershwin: Rhapsody in Blue

“ABOUT LARA DOWNES
A captivating presence both on and offstage, critically acclaimed Steinway Concert Artist Lara Downes is redefining the solo recital format with visionary, cutting-edge performances at prestigious concert venues worldwide. Lauded by NPR as 'a delightful artist with a unique blend of musicianship and showmanship,' Ms. Downes presents the piano repertoire - from traditional favorites to newly commissioned works - in creative ways that bridge musical tastes, genres and audiences."

Comment by email:
Thanks Bill, this is terrific. I'm excited to play the Price piece in Little Rock! Best, Lara

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