This concert program commemorates both the Colorado State Sesquicentennial and America's 250th. Featuring works by renowned American composer Kile Smith.

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MEET THE COMPOSER

World Premiere! As Starlight Erupts
Commissioned by Colorado Vocal Arts Ensemble, with texts from Tesla’s Walk by Colorado Springs author Jimmy Sena. This award-winning book invites the reader to accompany genius inventor and futurist Nikola Tesla on a poetic journey through one autumn day in 1899 Colorado Springs. In the days preceding the performance, patrons will be invited to participate in a walking tour, with Sena as guide, retracing Tesla’s path from the historic Alta Vista Hotel in downtown Colorado Springs to the location of his experimental station just north of present-day Memorial Park.

The Dawn’s Early Light
For choir, guitar quartet, and cello. The texts are drawn from Life Among the Piutes: Their Wrongs and Claims by Sarah Winnemucca Hopkins (c.1844–1891) Through her lectures and writings Hopkins became a tireless advocate for her continually oppressed people. Her 1883 autobiography is the first book by a Native American woman. 
With special guests:

Colin McAllister, Russ Callison, Ben Johnson, and Laura Husbands - guitars 
Pamela Chaddon - cello​

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MEET OUR GUEST ARTISTS

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VIEW THE COMPLETE PROGRAM

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