Night Surrendering to Dawn features an engaging and eclectic program of works for flute and piano by 21st Century composers Valerie Coleman, Christian Ellenwood, Amanda Harberg, and Samuel Zyman. This will be the Rochester/New York premiere of Ellenwood’s Sonata for Flute and Piano, written for Cristina Ballatori in 2022 in memory of her mother. As we move through unprecedented and challenging times, the pieces on this program serve to remind us that light and hope will return after the dark.

Described by critics as “delightful performers” whose “music making was effortless and sparkling,” the Semplice Duo was formed with the goal of introducing audiences to the less frequently performed chamber music for flute and piano. Winners of the Notes at 9,000 Emerging Artist Series Competition in Colorado, the Semplice Duo has performed recitals and educational outreach concerts throughout the United States and abroad, including performances in Mexico and France.

A Hochstein alumna and former student of Diane Smith, Cristina Ballatori is on the faculty of the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater. Kevin Chance is on the piano faculty of the University of Alabama and holds a doctorate in piano performance and literature from the Eastman School of Music.

Read the online program notes.

The Hochstein School’s free noontime Live from Hochstein concert series will be hosted by WXXI Classical’s Mona Seghatoleslami and broadcast live on WXXI Classical. Listen to the concert at WXXI-FM 91.5, WXXY 90.3, or online at https://www.classical915.org.

* Masks and vaccination are encouraged but not required. Please note that only bottled water is allowed in the newly renovated hall.

Sidney and Barbara Sobel have generously provided continuous underwriting of the Live from Hochstein Broadcast & Concert Series since 1993. 

Live from Hochstein is also made possible by the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of Governor Kathy Hochul and the New York State Legislature.