Join contralto Melissa Elsman (our newest voice faculty) and pianist Kathryn Southworth for Part One of this lecture–recital exploring the early life and music of nineteenth-century Parisian composer Augusta Holmès. Celebrated in her lifetime yet seldom remembered today, Holmès defied societal expectations by composing on a grand scale—an endeavor deemed “masculine” and inappropriate for women ... Read more

Join contralto Melissa Elsman (our newest voice faculty) and pianist Kathryn Southworth for Part Two of this lecture–recital exploring the life and music of nineteenth-century Parisian composer Augusta Holmès. Denied access to the Paris Conservatory like her male peers, Holmès persuaded César Franck to take her on as a private student. “She arouses in me ... Read more

Composer Stephen James will speak about his creative process when composing, how he researched the poems of Mary Oliver, what inspired him, and how he chose which poems to include in his song cycle for soprano and piano.   He will share insights into the texts and how they influenced his writing as he composed the songs. ... Read more

Stephen James, composer, turns collaborative pianist and is joined by soprano Jennie O'Brien for the premiere performance in New Hampshire of his song cycle In Blackwater Woods, set to poems by Mary Oliver.  The song cycle includes seven remarkable poems of Mary Oliver which explore moments in her life, the wonders of nature and human reactions ... Read more