Picasso Ensemble Performs at the Sesnon House

Celebrating their 20th Anniversary of presenting concerts at the historic Sesnon House ballroom located at Cabrillo College, Picasso Ensemble offers a celebratory program on October 22, 2017 at 3:00 pm.

The concert will feature an elegant early classical trio by CPE Bach, rich romantic trio by Bruch, well-known American songs arranged by Copland, a new work by New York jazz and classical composer/performer John Robinson, English songs by Finzi and Vaughan Williams for voice and piano, works by two American women composers: Undine Smith Moore and Alexis Alrich (a preview of Picasso's spring 2018 concert showcasing women composers), and a trio movement by William Grant Still.

Some of the works on this program reflect Picasso Ensemble's ten year commitment to the African American Composer Initiative (AACI), a performing group based in the San Francisco mid-peninsula dedicated to performing, commissioning, and recording music by a multitude of African American men and women. Picasso Ensemble has played a central role in the work of AACI since its founding. Numerous works by composers Dr. Valerie Capers, John Robinson, and young California composer Joshua McGhee have been commissioned and premiered by Picasso Ensemble.

In January 2018 Cambria will release a CD entitled "Where Freedom Rings" performed by Picasso Ensemble and other Bay Area musicians. The recording features recently composed music by Capers, Robinson, McGhee, and Regina Harris Baiocchi, all contemporary African American composers.