Explore breathtaking musical landscapes as pianist Liana Pailodze Harron presents an extraordinary program that celebrates both America’s 250th birthday and the diverse musical traditions close to her heart.

The centerpiece of the evening will be Aaron Copland‘s beloved Appalachian Spring, performed in its complete ballet version in an arrangement for solo piano by Bryan Stanley. This unique presentation transforms Copland’s stirring musical portrait of American pioneer life into an intimate yet powerful solo piano experience. In this rendition, one pianist becomes the entire orchestra, breathing life into every musical voice of this Pulitzer Prize-winning composition that captures the essence of American optimism and pioneering spirit.

Joining Liana Harron is special guest McCoy Chance, an experimental visual and interdisciplinary artist, for a groundbreaking performance of an Icelandic piece, Ekki Hugsa (Don’t Think) by Ólafur Arnalds, arranged for loop station and piano by the pianist. Chance brings his innovative approach to this collaboration, performing through a custom, performance-built video effects chain that processes live camera feeds in real time. The system blends analog and digital video through feedback loops, voltage-driven distortion, and glitch processes, creating imagery that responds dynamically to the music. This responsive visual composition, unique to each performance, is projected onto the screen and concert hall stage, building visually on the piano’s looping phrases.

The program will also feature works by other American composers, as well as pieces from Harron’s native Georgia — the Republic of Georgia — weaving together the musical landscapes of her two homes in this commemorative year of American independence.

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 such as Carnegie Hall, Lincoln Center, the New World Center, and the United Nations. She is an assistant professor of music at UMBC.

McCoy Chance is an experimental visual and interdisciplinary artist and musician working with hybrid analog and digital video systems. His practice centers on the revitalization of discarded analog technology, exploring its afterlives through collaborations with repair professionals, musicians, and Baltimore’s creative communities. His work has been screened and exhibited internationally. He holds an MFA in Intermedia and Digital Arts from UMBC.

$15 general admission, $10 seniors, $5 students. Please visit here to reserve seats.

Linehan Concert Hall, located in the Performing Arts and Humanities Building, is easy to visit, with plenty of free parking. Please visit here for directions and parking information.