Lily Stern – Empathy Through Music

The Lives and Cello Works of Four French Female Composers

Cellist Lily Stern will perform works for cello and piano by four French female composers in collaboration with pianists Ariela Bohrod and Michelle Xu and animation by visual artist Adela Hurtado. This concert highlights the lives and cello works of Marie Jaëll, Rita Strohl, Nadia Boulanger, and Betsy Jolas, tracing the experiences of French female composers from the late 19th century to present day.

Stern will utilize techniques of audience engagement and emphasize the psychological role of empathy in order to build conduits of understanding between listener and composer; music is a shared way into the stories of unfamiliar individuals, a direct entrance into another’s inner world. Stern aims to amplify and cultivate understanding of these voices neglected by the classical canon, bringing to light their undervalued narratives and facilitating an appreciation of their unique perspectives. 

PROGRAM

Marie Jaëll Sonate for cello and piano
I. Allegro
II. Presto

Rita Strohl Sonata dramatique
I. Allegro Moderato

Nadia Boulanger Trois pieces for cello and piano
I. Moderato
II. Sans vitesse et à l’aise
III. Vite et nerveusement rythmé

Betsy Jolas Femme le soir
I. Lulling
II. Songeries
III. Shall we… ?
IV. Et toi, là-bas… !
V. Mots de sable
VI. Qui parle ?
VII. Sing Maria…
VIII. Bonjour…