250 Years of American Music: Part I — Charles Ives (In-Person)

Professor Harel explores the remarkable life and enduring legacy of Charles Ives (1874–1954), a Redding resident who lived on Umpawaug Road for over 40 years.

Ives was a pioneering American composer who forged a distinctly national musical voice. Born in Danbury, Ives drew deeply from his New England roots — small-town childhood memories, village bands, patriotic hymns, and the transcendentalist spirit of Emerson and Thoreau — to create innovative works that blend vernacular American sounds with visionary modernism. Professor Harel will highlight how Ives’ music captures the essence of America’s democratic spirit and New England’s cultural landscape, and establishes him as one of the most original and influential figures in American classical music.

Save the Dates:

Gil Harel (PhD, Brandeis University) is an award-winning musicologist and composer whose interests include styles ranging from western art music to contemporary musical theater. Previously, he served on the faculty at CUNY Baruch College (where he was awarded the prestigious Presidential Excellence Award for Distinguished Teaching). Currently, he is Full Professor of Music at CT State Naugatuck Valley, where he has been presented with the AFT Merit Award for Exemplary Service to the College on multiple occasions. Among other accolades, he was honored with the coveted Connecticut Board of Regents (BOR) Teaching Award. At Naugatuck Valley, Dr. Harel conducts the college chorale, a cappella ensemble, teaches music history and theory, and serves as musical director of theater productions.

This presentation will take place both in-person, at the Library, and virtually, over Zoom. For the optimal experience, we recommend attending programs in-person. Register for the in-person event by scrolling to the registration form below. Click here to register for the virtual program and a Zoom link will be emailed the day of the program. Include a cell for a text reminder.