Pianist Lara Downes, percussionist Britton-René Collins and composer and multi-instrumentalist Clarice Assad present World of Change, a concert considering the changing climate and the acceleration of our device-intensive existence. In this musical exploration, the performers take a step back from political and international turmoil to consider the wider landscape of our world and to pose self-reflective questions about how we interact with it.

After teaching in some of Europe’s most prestigious conservatories, the classically trained Downes now finds herself fully rooted in musical activism and advocacy. Across her 20-year career, she has recorded tributes to Duke Ellington and Billie Holiday, world premieres of works by Florence Price and, most recently, a fascinating alternate history of modern music featuring the voices and works of underrepresented women. She recently collaborated with Assad, a Grammy-nominated composer, pianist, vocalist and educator. A member of a Brazilian musical dynasty who has become one of the Western Hemisphere’s most versatile talents, Assad has garnered a reputation as a bold singer, captivating pianist, radiant classical guitarist and exploratory composer throughout her career as a prominent voice in the classical, world music, pop and jazz genres. Percussionist Collins has dedicated her artistry to shaping an equitable community for all musicians to thrive in.

The Clarice\’s Visiting Artist Series is committed to providing extensive campus and community engagement opportunities that extend academic learning and cultural opportunities. As part of their residency, Assad will hold a Composer Colloquium with University of Maryland School of Music student composers and Downes will lead a masterclass with the Collaborative Piano Studio. The duo will also present a Concert in the Quad in partnership with the Arts Scholars program, take part in the School of Music’s Renegade series, lead a percussion masterclass and participate in a pre-concert talk.

This piece is co-commissioned by The Clarice Smith Performing Arts Center and the Robert and Margrit Mondavi Center for the Performing Arts at UC Davis.

Health + Safety

There may be COVID safety policies such as mask requirements in place when you attend this event. Please see our health & safety page for the most up to date information about attendance!