The program opens with a section dedicated to Argentine composer Carlos Guastavino, exploring the spark of poetry that inspired him to write songs which mirror the essence of poems authored by Francisco de Quevedo y Villegas during Spain's 16th century Golden Age. Easily identifiable by Guastavino's harmonic and melodic signature, the featured collection is set in the traditional Lieder style of the Romantic era. Four Sonnets by Quevedo features Andrew Konopak, baritone and William Shi, pianist

Our Nurturing Talent and Remembrance section - honoring teachers and mentors' roles in the development of artistry - highlights the life and times of extraordinary American pianist, composer, and teacher Earl Wild, a genius among 20th century musicians. An interview with Dr. Chad R. Bowles, Preparatory Piano Department Director at the Peabody Institute of the JHU, reveals some aspects of Wild's teaching ideas and his lasting influence. Inspired by George Geswhin songs, Earl Wild wrote Etude-Transcriptions. We present The Man I Love, performed by pianist Öykü Özlem Bugday, and Fascinatin' Rhythm, performed by pianist Andrew Gerle.

Creating An American Musical Accent. Folk and Popular Music in the Concert Hall. Composers from every country have incorporated and transformed their native folk and popular music into their own works. In America, composers like Aaron Copland, George Gershwin, William Grant Still, and John Musto turned to Appalachian and Gullah folk songs, Ragtime, Tin Pan Alley and Spirituals for inspiration. Composer, pianist and music director Andrew Gerle will give listeners a taste of this "musical melting pot" with quintessentially American Concert, Opera and Art Song selections.