The American Soundscape: A 250th Anniversary Celebration

Join us for an evening celebrating the richness and diversity of American music through works for cello and piano, solo cello, and string quartet. The American Soundscape: A 250th Anniversary Celebration features Samuel Barber’s powerful Cello Sonata, Allison Loggins-Hull’s evocative Stolen for solo cello, Jerod Tate’s Pisachi, as well as works by Florence Price, among others. Together, these pieces highlight the diversity of voices that continue to define and expand the American musical canon. Performed by CSU faculty-artist Meredith Blecha-Wells, cello, alongside Sun Min Kim, piano, Erik Peterson, violin, and faculty-artist Rose Wollman, viola, this celebration invites audiences to experience American music through a wide-ranging and compelling artistic lens.

9/29 Program Update:
An American Soundscape explores the many voices, traditions, and journeys that have shaped America’s musical identity. Jerod Impichchaachaaha’ Tate’s Pisachi brings the composer’s Chickasaw heritage to the concert stage, while Florence Price’s Five Folksongs in Counterpoint transforms familiar spirituals and folk melodies through the rich textures of the string quartet.

The program culminates with Rachmaninoff’s passionate Sonata for Cello and Piano. After leaving Russia, Rachmaninoff made the United States his home and became a defining presence in American concert life.

Performed by CSU faculty-artists Meredith Blecha-Wells, Bryan Wallick, Rose Wollman, and guests Zo Manfredi and Erik Peterson, these works offer three distinct perspectives on an American story shaped by heritage, tradition, migration, and the blending of cultures.