Wednesday, April 22
7:00 pm - 8:00 pm
Registration Required Below
To celebrate America’s 250th anniversary, Professor and Musicologist Gil Harel presents a three-part series exploring the bold, evolving voice of American composers and storytellers.
Professor Gil Harel explores the enduring legacy of Aaron Copland and Leonard Bernstein, two towering figures who shaped 20th-century American music with vibrant, open-hearted works infused with folk traditions, jazz, and symphonic grandeur. Their 50-year friendship — marked by mentorship, mutual inspiration, and unwavering support — profoundly influenced each other’s creativity and helped define a distinctly American sound that resonates worldwide.
Save the Date:
Click here for information and to register
About Our Presenter
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.