From Colony to Concert Hall: 250 Years of American Music

Friday, May 15 | 7 p.m.

A Celebration of American Music Across the Centuries with soprano, Eva Peng and pianist, Anthony Olson

Free admission

Spanning two and a half centuries, this program traces the development of a uniquely American musical voice. Beginning in the colonial era with Francis Hopkinson—a signer of the Declaration of Independence and one of the first American composers—the concert highlights the roots of artistic expression in the early United States.

The program continues through the 19th century with music by Louis Moreau Gottschalk, the virtuosic pianist and composer whose works reflect the cultural diversity of the Civil War era. Moving into the 20th century, the program features selections by iconic American composers including George Gershwin, Scott Joplin, and Leonard Bernstein, alongside songs from films of the Golden Age of cinema, highlighting the intersection of classical, popular, and theatrical traditions in American music.

The program will conclude with the final aria from Scott Joplin’s opera Treemonisha, bringing the evening to a powerful close with one of the most significant works in early American opera.

Through this carefully curated program, The Lyric Duo presents a vibrant musical narrative that reflects the richness, diversity, and innovation of American music across generations. The concert offers an engaging and accessible experience for a wide audience, blending historical context with compelling performance.