Lara Downes to make Special Appearance at the Arthur Zankel Music Center on April 14

Saratoga Performing Arts Center (SPAC) will partnering with Skidmore College this upcoming April 14 at 7:30 p.m. for a night of music with Lara Downes at the Arthur Zankel Music Center. During this time Downes, will play homage to underrepresented American composers, including Florence Price, Scott Joplin, and Billie Holiday. She will also tap into the honorary George Gershwin and Morton Gould to bring to life their music from the 1900s.

Lara Downes Arthur Zankel Music Center

Coming from a civil rights background, Downes is not only a high demand performer, but also hosts her own series on NPR called “Amplify”. On her show she discusses with BIPOC artist what it is like to be in the music industry, with focuses on shaping the identity of a new era with bold vision, powerful mission and the inspiring energy of a transformative time. However, her work does not end there. In fact, Downes is a Billboard Chart-topping recording artist, producer, curator, activist, and arts advocate.

Lara Downes

Furthermore, her work with Skidmore College will begin on April 13 during her piano masterclass for music majors at 5:30 p.m.

What a thrill for our students to witness Lara’s great artistry and experience a one-of-kind program in our beautiful performance space. And, how lucky for them to also participate in a masterclass with her.

Evan Mack, professor of music at Skidmore College

Tickets for Downes’ performance at the Arthur Zankel Music Center will be $30 for general admission and $10 for all collegiate students and faculty with a valid school ID. However, Skidmore students enrolled in the music program will have free admission. Skidmore College plans to follow COVID-19 protocol and strongly encourages guests to be fully vaccinated and masked at the performance. For tickets or more information click here or visit Spac.

Downes’ following visit to Saratoga will be towards the end of the Summer on August 4. She will perform two premieres: The Strayhorn Concerto and Price’s Piano Concerto in One Movement, during her Saratoga Performing Arts Center debut. For more information visit  SPAC.

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