The Hartt School’s Vocal Studies Area is proud to announce the second annual Festival of American Song, a celebration of the rich and diverse classical repertoire from American composers. Produced in collaboration with the nonprofit concert series Cincinnati Song Initiative, this year’s festival includes three unique events which feature student, faculty, staff, and guest performers, as well as music history students and faculty.
“This festival has become a highlight for the community, bringing people together in exciting interdisciplinary ways to experience song,” says Director of Vocal Studies Samuel Martin. “Thanks to continued support, the Festival of American Song provides incredible learning and performance opportunities for students, faculty, and guest artists, and has established The Hartt School as a leading champion for song in America.”
Highlights of the 2025 festival include a celebration honoring Aaron Copland’s 125th birth anniversary, as well as a spotlight concert on the songs of Oakland, California-based composer Kurt Erickson, who will be in residence for the duration of the festival.
Says Erickson, “As an inherently intimate art form, art song is the antidote to digital isolation. In performance and rehearsal, it helps us reconnect with important parts of our shared humanity through the union of music and poetry. I’m incredibly honored to share my music with The Hartt School community and can’t wait to work with its students!”
Conceived and initiated last year by the late Associate Professor of Voice Deborah Lifton, the Festival of American Song is dedicated to her memory and pioneering spirit, honoring her significant contributions to the field and her passion for the art song genre. All events are free and open to the public.
An Evening of American Song
April 23, 7:30 p.m., Berkman Recital Hall
The Hartt School presents a varied and entertaining program of American song featuring singers from the Fourth-Year and Graduate Vocal Seminar as part of the annual Festival of American Song in collaboration with Cincinnati Song Initiative. With a special emphasis on the songs of Aaron Copland to celebrate his 125th birth anniversary year, music history faculty and students will share insightful information on the beloved American composer to help accentuate the performances.
Split My Heart: The Songs of Kurt Erickson
April 24, 7:30 p.m., Berkman Recital Hall
Faculty and guest Cincinnati Song Initiative artists bring to life the stunning and evocative songs of American composer Kurt Erickson as part of the second event of the annual Festival of American Song. The composer himself will guide the evening's program by sharing how his songs have been influenced - or helped influence - real-world events and change.
Performers:
- Kurt Erickson, composer and host
- Michelle Fiertek, soprano
- Rachel Kobernick, soprano
- Lisabeth Miller, soprano
- Blythe Gaissert, mezzo
- Samuel Martin, piano
- Kyle Swann, piano
- Eric Trudel, piano
American Song Master Class
April 25, 12:45 p.m., Berkman Recital Hall
Mezzo-soprano Blythe Gaissert leads a master class with Hartt voice students as part of the Festival of American Song. Students will hone their performances and discuss specific stylistic features of American songs by composers John Duke, Thomas Pasatieri, Florence Price, and Richard Pearson Thomas.