This program dives deep into the very roots of what we have come to know as the “American sound,” through song. From Africa to the British Isles, to Mezzo-America, from Spirituals to Rock and Roll, from Appalachia to Danbury, we will explore the rich traditions of music from all over space and time that have come together to create the unique and kaleidoscopic world of American music that permeates the very air we breathe.

The impact of jazz on American Classical and Theater music is deep and rich, and in this meeting of two trios- one jazz, one classical- we will explore how jazz has entered the classical world through a host of composers who are comfortable crossing boundaries.

Musicians, composers, and collaborators George Meyer and Will Healy form the genre-bending violin-piano duo Upstream. They draw on a shared background in classical music, as well as a range of other styles. Will and George each live with a foot outside of classical music, George working regularly with bluegrass musicians and Will with jazz and hip-hop artists. Join these engaging and exceptionally talented musicians as they perform a selection of marvelous original works along with Bach’s brilliant Sonata No. 6 for Violin and Harpsichord.