Liana Pailodze Harron: Appalachian Spring

5 PM Doors & Pre-Reception
6 PM Recital
7:30 PM Post-Reception

Liana Pailodze Harron: Appalachian Spring
A Musical Celebration of America's 250th Birthday

Gotham Arts in collaboration with Groupmuse is delighted to host an intimate piano recital by pianist Liana Pailodze Harron combining a solo transcription of Aaron Copland's celebrated Appalachian Spring with film screening featuring Martha Graham's original 1959 choreography. Experience these masterpieces of American music and dance as never before, with the complete ballet performed on solo piano while Graham's iconic choreography unfolds on screen.

This unique presentation brings together Copland's stirring musical portrait of American pioneer life with Graham's groundbreaking modern dance, creating an intimate yet powerful celebration of our nation's artistic heritage. Watch as one pianist becomes the entire orchestra, breathing life into every musical voice of this Pulitzer Prize-winning composition.

Appalachian Spring captures the essence of American optimism and the pioneering spirit, making it the perfect centerpiece for commemorating 250 years of American independence.

Wine will be served.

Program

COPLAND Appalachian Spring (transcribed for piano solo)

Additional works to be announced

About Liana Pailodze Harron

Watch Liana perform Viet Cuong's America the Beautiful: "Echo Chamber"

Dr. Liana Pailodze Harron, blending her Georgian heritage with an American spirit, captivates audiences with daring performances that breathe life into contemporary classical music. Praised by Pulitzer Prize-winning critic Tim Page of The Wall Street Journal as "smashingly effective," her latest album with Vesna Duo mesmerized audiences, showcasing her passionate interpretations. Her artistry has graced esteemed venues across the United States and Europe, including iconic stages like Carnegie Hall, Lincoln Center, the New World Center, and the United Nations.

Dedicated to pushing the boundaries of music, Liana has shared stages with artists across the spectrum—from rock star Steven Tyler to classical virtuosos—thriving on diverse collaborations fueled by her unending artistic curiosity. Whether as a soloist with orchestras like the Shilakadze Chamber Orchestra, the Georgian Television Orchestra, or the Frost Symphony Orchestra, she's continuously championed contemporary compositions. Collaborating recently with saxophonist Dr. Thomas A. Giles, she delved into the works of Györgi Ligeti and Olivier Messiaen, showcasing her versatile talent on their album Mysteries of the Macabre.

Lauded for her work with Vesna Duo alongside percussionist Dr. Ksenija Komljenović, their performances at the 2022 Chamber Music America Conference garnered rave reviews. Their interpretation of Igor Stravinsky’s The Rite of Spring for marimba and piano, arranged by Komljenović, continues to captivate audiences and receive accolades from esteemed publications.

An avid recording artist, Liana's repertoire spans from contemporary compositions by György Ligeti and Archil Giorgobiani to cherished classics by Hindemith and Respighi. Her versatility shines through modern works by John Adams and Ólafur Arnalds, which she skillfully arranged for piano and Loopstation. Her solo album, Light-Year, is an emotive collection that weaves together intimate pieces from cinematic composers like Jóhann Jóhannsson, Max Richter, Philip Glass, Ólafur Arnalds, and Kris Lennox. And her latest album, Kartli: Stories of Georgia, a collection of 20th-century Georgian classical music, was featured on Billboard Georgia.

Dr. Harron currently serves as Assistant Professor of Piano at the University of Maryland, Baltimore County. She was also recently appointed Cultural Ambassador for the Georgian Heritage Foundation, formally representing the musical traditions she has championed throughout her career. Holding a doctorate degree from the prestigious Frost School of Music at the University of Miami, she creates meaningful bridges between Georgian cultural heritage and global audiences through her performances and teaching.

What's the music?

Liana Pailodze Harron Piano

Attendees

Renee A. (she/her)

Belén C.

+3

Marilyn R.