American Sound: Pianist Lara Downes to Discuss Musical History at Rowan

Lara Downes will present a concert and conversation at Rowan University next week. The event is part of the university's Marie Rader Presenting Series and serves as the culmination of her recent media project. She will perform alongside her longtime collaborator, Rhiannon Giddens.

Downes, a concert pianist and broadcaster, developed the concept after the United States marked its 250th anniversary. She traveled across the country for an NPR series titled America in Pursuit. The project involved interviews with cultural critic Imani Perry, historian Jill Lepore, and writer Adam Gopnik. She focused on specific musical pieces and their connections to life and liberty.

Downes stated that she initiated the project out of frustration regarding public understanding of national identity. She said, "I think one of my big motivations for starting this project was my own frustration about feeling like I did not know what people think." She noted that many topics remain unspoken or kept private by citizens.

She spoke from a dean's office at Rowan University before the upcoming performance. She discussed the surprises encountered during her travels and the role of ambiguity in her artistic work. The conversation highlights her effort to connect historical context with contemporary musical expression.

The event, titled Sounds Like America, is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 30. It will take place in Pfleeger Concert Hall at Rowan University. Tickets are currently available for purchase.