Composer Eve Beglarian, first winner of the 2009 Greenfield Prize in Music, will present a public program at the Historic Asolo Theater on Thursday, March 3 at 7:30 pm. Beglarian will speak about her present projects, including the 2010 River Project when she kayaked down the Mississippi, blogging, composing music and photographing all along the way. This unique journey inspired the chamber music Beglarian will present at her world premiere on Saturday, March 26th, being performed by members of the Sarasota Orchestra at Holley Hall. Reservations are suggested. A $5 ticket price covers the costs of the Historic Asolo. Call the theater box office at 941-360-7399.

Eve Beglarian is a very special artist and over the past two years, has become a very special friend of the Hermitage. Her musical compositions come from a very personal place and are unique and refreshing. We first met her when she received the Greenfield Prize in 2009. We grew to know her more when the New York Times wrote about her experiences on the river. From there we followed her blog, enjoyed having her join us as a Hermitage fellow and now we are getting ready to premiere her chamber music with members of our esteemed Orchestra. This presentation will be a great opportunity to meet and hear from one of the most imaginative new composers working today.

Beglarian will play some of her music as well as speak about her experiences on the Mississippi. Camping out, meeting the people, learning the stories in the small riverfront communities were compelling, life-changing experiences. Friends flew in to share her journey, new acquaintances reading the blog joined her along the way. Beglarian could not have predicted all that transpired. The music includes not only the joy and exuberance of the journey, but sounds of nature she encountered along the way. The character of the trip is expressed in the entire composition.

Don’t miss this opportunity to hear one of America’s leading contemporary composers speak about her incredible journey, show images, and play some of the music it inspired.

To read the New York Times September 2, 2009 article about Eve’s Mississippi journey, click HERE.