Join us for this exciting and varied program! Led by conductor and music director David Rudge, we open with two works by American composers: Jessie Montgomery’s Strum which draws on the characteristic strumming of string instruments and, she writes, “salutes American folk idioms and the spirit of dance and movement,” and the soulful Air by Arthur Foote. Next we feature concert pianist Sandro Russo, a recording artist who has toured internationally to rave reviews, as soloist in Liszt’s highly dramatic Malédiction for piano and string orchestra. We end with Tchaikovsky’s lush Serenade for Strings, a work that runs the gamut stylistically and expressively. It begins with a homage to Mozart, flows into a lilting waltz, offers a melancholy elegy at the heart of the work, and comes to a rousing and dance-like conclusion. Expect the unexpected!

ARTHUR FOOTE Air 
JESSIE MONTGOMERY Strum

FRANZ LISZT Malédiction for Piano and Strings

Sandro Russo, piano

*  *  *

PYOTR IILYICH TCHAIKOVSKY Serenade for Strings, Op. 48

More info: Erehwon Ensemble https://www.erehwon-ensemble.com/

More info: Sandro Russo www.sandrorussopianist.com/

EST in 1979, the Howland Cultural Center referred to as the ‘Jewel of Beacon’, has been a hub for the arts, culture, and history. Its Northcutt Hall gallery is renowned for its outstanding acoustics. Providing a rich, varied cultural experience for visitors and resources for visual and performing arts programming, supporting artists, organizations, and the community. The gallery is open free to the public during weekends, by appointment, or by chance. Our historic building first opened its doors in 1872, as the Howland Circulating Library, designed by the preeminent architect Richard Morris Hunt. Commissioned by his brother-in-law, General Joseph Howland, and his wife Eliza Woolsey Howland. The Howland Cultural Center is a fully volunteer-run non-profit organization managed by its board of directors and many volunteers. This beautiful landmark is available to rent for special events. “Being generous of spirit is a wonderful way to live.” - Pete Seeger