Date: Friday, November 13, 2026
Time: 7:30 PM
Location: Florence Harkness Memorial Chapel
Format: In-Person & Virtual
About the Event
American Scenes
In celebration of America 250, award-winning pianist Jiana Peng and violinist Konrad Kowal present American Scenes, a special program exploring the richness and diversity of America’s musical identity through the works of composers who experienced and expressed America in different ways. Amy Beach’s Romance reflects a lyrical Romanticism rooted in the European tradition, while Aaron Copland’s Violin Sonata and Samuel Barber's Excursions draw on distinctly American landscape and folk traditions. Maurice Ravel’s Violin Sonata No. 2 offers an international perspective, exploring the influence of American culture through jazz. The program also celebrates Akron composer Pat Pace who brings classical piano into dialogue with jazz and improvisation. Finally, George Gershwin’s Porgy and Bess reveals the profound role of jazz, blues, and African American musical traditions in shaping the American sound.
Tickets: Open to All | Pay What You Wish
A suggested donation of $20–$50 per ticket supports the artists and concert programming.
Watch Online: Harkness Chapel Livestream
Learn More: About the Artists
Program
Aaron Copland
Sonata for Violin and Piano
Samuel Barber
Excursions, Op. 20
- No. 1: Un poco allegro
- No. 3: Allegretto
Amy Beach
Romance for Violin and Piano, Op. 23
Maurice Ravel
Sonata for Violin and Piano No. 2, M. 77
Pat Pace
Preludes
- Claude and Maurice
- Samba
George Gershwin
Porgy and Bess (transcribed by Jascha Heifetz)
- Summertime
- A Woman Is a Sometime Thing
- My Man's Gone Now
- It Ain't Necessarily So
- Bess, You Is My Woman
- Tempo di Blues
CWRU Music 2026–27 Concert Season
The Case Western Reserve University Department of Music presents a wide range of concerts, recitals, and special events that showcase the talents of students, faculty, and guest artists. From classical masterworks to contemporary compositions, these performances highlight the creativity and excellence within CWRU’s vibrant music community. Open to the public, the series offers opportunities for audiences of all ages to experience inspiring live music and support the next generation of musicians and scholars.
Venue Information
Florence Harkness Memorial Chapel (est. 1902) offers a warm, intimate, and acoustically resonant setting on the Mather Quad. This neo-Gothic landmark commemorates the brief life of Florence Harkness Severance and reflects Cleveland’s rich cultural and philanthropic history. Designed by architect Charles F. Schweinfurth, the chapel is renowned for its soaring arches, exquisite woodwork, and luminous Tiffany stained-glass windows.
Health + Safety
The health and well-being of our community is important to us as we gather for campus events. University Health and Counseling Services provides up-to-date guidance and resources to help support a safe campus experience. For life-threatening emergencies, please call CWRU Public Safety immediately at 216.368.3333.