Connecticut's Own concert series at Wilton Library

Diverse musical styles will be represented on Sunday, April 15 at 4 p.m. during Wilton Library’s Connecticut’s Own concert series by members of Connecticut Composers, Inc.  The non-profit organization is comprised of composers living in or having ties to Connecticut.  The group began its existence with 18 founding members in 1981 and has grown to almost 50 members from all over the state. Its composers represent a range of styles including such media as orchestral, choral, solo, chamber music, jazz, improvisational, folk, electronic and experimental music. The primary purpose of CCI is to bring public attention to the work of its member composers by promoting performances through its own concerts, collaborations with other organizations, broadcasts and CD releases. Many of Sunday’s performers have previously played on the Brubeck Room stage at the library and are recognized by Wiltonians and music-lovers.

Elizabeth Lauer returns to Wilton from her home in New Mexico and will perform a set of dance variations for piano, Carousel, winner of the 2010 Biennial Music Composition Competition presented by the Connecticut State Music Teachers Association.  The piece is based on the southern lullaby, All the Pretty Little Horses.

Also returning to perform at the library are pianist Allen Brings and flutist Margaret Collins Stoop, both member of Connecticut Composers.  They will be joining composer Frank Vasi, who will have a premiere performance of his composition, Music for Flute, Tenor Saxophone and Piano No. 2. 

A Ticket to the Theater, a song cycle in six short movements, will be performed by its composer John Alan Rose and his wife, soprano Sing Rose. The original version of this work for solo voice and orchestra will be given its premiere performance in May by the Dubrovnik Philharmonic Orchestra in Croatia.

Completing the program will be a piano trio entitled Century Music by Eugenie Rocherolle that captures the essence of popular styles of music from the 20th century, performed by Nicola Gruen, Melissa Westgate, and Kathleen Theisen.

There is no charge for Wilton Library’s Connecticut’s Own Sunday concert series.  Advance registration is strongly recommended due to the popularity of this series.  Pre-registrants are reminded to arrive by 3:50 to be guaranteed seating.  Waitlisted and walk-in registrants will be admitted after 3:50 if seats are available.  The performance begins promptly at 4 p.m.; late arrivals will be asked to wait to enter.  For information, registration and directions, visit www.wiltonlibrary.org and click on Events or call 203-762-3950, ext. 213.  Wilton Library is located at 137 Old Ridgefield Road in the heart of Wilton Center.