SoNA - The Great Unknown

Program:

Samuel Barber – Symphony No. 1

Aldo López-Gavilán – Piano
Concerto (world premiere)

Lara Downes, piano

William Dawson – Negro Folk Symphony

Whether it’s unjustly neglected through history or fresh ink on the page, great music deserves to be heard! In this concert, we walk through some of each. The now world-famous Samuel Barber — who wrote the iconic Adagio for Strings — also penned his rarely-heard but unforgettable Symphony No. 1 around the same time in 1936. Barber was a widely-admired and well-supported young composer, having just graduated from one of the most prestigious conservatories in the world. William Dawson wrote his Negro Folk Symphony just two years earlier in 1934, at the age of 35, without any of those advantages, yet it is just as commanding. This symphony — based on themes from Black spirituals — was the only one he ever wrote, tragically. His stirring and heartfelt music powerfully and surely lifts the soul. SoNA is especially proud to announce that this concert will feature the world premiere of multi-genre composer Aldo López-Gavilán’s Piano Concerto, written for and performed by the inimitable Lara Downes. So, jump in to the great unknown and discover sounds that you may have never heard before, but that will surely make their mark once brought to life.

Single Tickets: $36, $48, $61
Discount student tickets available with a student photo I.D.
Under 18 FREE with an accompanying adult (limited quantities)