Lara Downes

with special guest Ledisi

THIS LAND

Iconoclastic pianist and cultural visionary Lara Downes presents THIS LAND, imagining the future of our nation through a probing, nuanced reflection on the kaleidoscopic diversity of stories and journeys that have converged and collided throughout American history. An artist renowned for her musical explorations off the beaten path, Lara is joined by special guest Ledisi, a Grammy award-winning singer-songwriter and activist whose musical passions meet Lara’s at the intersections where American traditions meet and mingle. Together, they share interpretations of music by Nina Simone, in a tribute to that groundbreaking artist whose activism had such radical impacts on the cultural revolutions of the 20th century and beyond.

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 reflects on the independent and innovative essence of American music, traveling back to its blended roots and complex origins. Downes and Ledisi 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

William Benton Overstreet: There’ll Be Some Changes Made

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

Elie Siegmeister: American Sonata

Valerie Coleman: Life*

Nina Simone: Work Song; Wild is the Wind; Four Women; I’m Going Back Home, Feelin’ Good (with Ledisi)

Angelica Negrón: Sueño Recurrente

Paul Simon: America

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

Michael Begay: Adéihozhdílzin / Know Who You Are *

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

Trad: Amazing Grace (with Ledisi)

* composed for Lara Downes