The Library of Congress will continue its critically acclaimed season of Concerts from the Library of Congress with an offering of virtual concerts, interviews and conversations with artists and composers, lectures, curator talks and educational programs. This spring’s events include dazzling performances and presentations in classical music, jazz and dance.
Consistent with social distancing and safety protocols in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the season is being presented entirely in an online format for the first time. All events will be made available at 8pm (ET) on the scheduled premiere date on loc.gov/concerts, which is where patrons may find information about the concert series. Virtual concerts will also be available via the Library’s YouTube channel and the Performing Arts at the Library of Congress Facebook page.
All events of the season are free, and tickets are not required.
The season’s performances will be presented with a constellation of interviews and online assets relating to the music performed — manuscripts, documents and artifacts only to be found at the world’s largest library. Patrons are also encouraged to make use of the Concerts from the Library of Congress LibGuide, which provides “best-of” selections of past lectures, concerts, conversations, and collection items on a variety of musical topics.
March 2021 Programs
New World Symphony
Friday, March 12, 2021 @ 8pm (ET)
Conductor Michael Tilson Thomas introduces a special Library mini-residency project for The New World Symphony, America’s Orchestral Academy (NWS). Admired as a creative laboratory for the way music is taught, presented and experienced, NWS brings together brilliant young musicians for a fellowship program offering in-depth exposure to traditional and modern repertoire and professional development training. This program features a piano trio by Carlos Simon, a recipient of the 2021 Sphinx Medal for Excellence, who has recently received commissions from the New York Philharmonic, Philadelphia Orchestra, and Washington National Opera, among others.
Steven Osborne
Friday, March 19, 2021 @ 8pm (ET)
Scottish pianist Steven Osborne performs the music of Debussy and Rachmaninoff, two specialties of the pianist, including works from the Library’s Sergei Rachmaninoff Collection.
Dudok Quartet Amsterdam
Friday, March 26, 2021 @ 8pm (ET)
Dudok Quartet Amsterdam comes to the virtual stage with a program connecting Brahms with Webern and Ligeti. With its recordings garnering enthusiastic praise from publications like Gramophone, The Guardian and The Strad, the quartet is establishing a reputation as a dynamic ensemble with thoughtful programs that include their own transcriptions.
Source: Leah Knobel, US Library of Congress
