The Eastman School of Music has announced its concerts for the next school year. The new season includes student performances and a few guest stars.
The celebration of America at 250 will be woven throughout the next year of concerts at Eastman in performances by students, faculty and visiting artists.
Those concerts include “The North American Indigenous Songbook,” a new collection of music by Native American, First Nations and Métis artists. The collection was commissioned and curated by Timothy Long, Eastman’s artistic and music director of opera, and the music ranges from art song to funk.
“At the 250th anniversary of the United States, we celebrate the entire continent of Turtle Island by bringing hope and unity to the world through words, music and celebration,” Long said in a statement accompanying the announcement.
Another is “In Plain Sight: The Black Anthology,” featuring Eastman faculty Joshua Conyers, Kiera Duffy, Nicole Cabell and friends. The program pulls from the landmark “Anthology of Art Songs by Black Composers.”
Guests will include choral group Chanticleer singing “Our American Journey” and alumni ensemble “Alarm Will Sound” returning for Homecoming, as well as pianist Emanuel Ax — and in December, a holiday show by Nickel Creek and Punch Brothers favorite Chris Thile and singer-songwriter Aoife O’Donovan.
Pianist, Ariana Grande collaborator and past Eastman student Jason Robert Brown will come to town for a performance of his 1995 song cycle, “Songs for the New World.”
New this year: a couple collaborations with the Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra, including Jeff Beal leading the RPO and Eastman Philharmonia playing live to picture for the silent film Metropolis.
Find more information on the upcoming Eastman season right here.
Mona Seghatoleslami is music director, host and producer on WXXI Classical 91.5 FM.
