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Stressbusters 2022: Violin & Harp Duo at Douglass

Stressed? Swing by the Mabel Smith Douglass Room at Douglass library at 3PM on Wednesday, May 4th to hear a pop-up concert featuring violinist Vishnu Halikere and harpist Kisae Lee.

The first portion of the concert will consist of a multi-movement sonata by the Armenian-American composer, Alan Hovanhess (1911-2000). This contemplative music has been described as American in the sense that it sounds from elsewhere but is firmly rooted right here. Finals week is the perfect occasion for these melodies. When so close to summer break, it is easy to let the mind wander to thoughts of vacation and adventure (perhaps catching up on sleep). However, it is likely most serving of our academic goals to pretend that we still have 100% of the semester to go, and orient focus on the present. This mini concert can help to negotiate this tension of here and now, somewhere else and then.

The second portion of the performance will feature the Spanish-inspired musings of a French composer: Jacques Ibert’s (1890-1962) Entr’acte. This short piece was originally composed for flute (as was the Hovanhess) and harp, but due to its popularity has been transcribed for various duo pairings. The lively music will leave attendees with energy to tackle the remaining work of the semester. Hope to see you there!