Lara Downes

This is How Lara Downes Is Expanding The Classical Canon with Works by Black Composers

By • Feb 19, 2021
Max Barrett

A visionary with seemingly boundless energy, pianist Lara Downes is clearing new paths in the classical music landscape, expanding minds and spurring social change.

In Lara Downes' New Series, Black Musicians Rise To A Pivotal Moment

By & • Oct 26, 2020

How can a moment of protest and isolation inspire creative rebirth? That's the question renowned pianist Lara Downes is exploring as the host of a new video series for NPR Music, simply titled Amplify With Lara Downes.

Your Uplifting Classical and Jazz Memorial Day Soundtrack Is On WRTI 90.1

By & • May 21, 2020
Unsplash/Aaron Burden

Join WRTI on Memorial Day as we mark the occasion and honor those who serve with a line-up of American music and local artists you won’t want to miss!

Classical Album of the Week: Pianist Lara Downes Plays Music To Lift Us Up In Troubled Times

By • May 17, 2020

May 18, 2020. As Memorial Day approaches, we think of the service and sacrifice of so many to protect our country and keep us safe. Our classical album of the week, Some of These Days, is a recent release by pianist Lara Downes featuring American music about perseverence, hope, and caring for one another.

Pianist Lara Downes' Special Gift From Her Mom

By • May 6, 2020

Mother's Day is a time to honor our mothers and the roles they've played in shaping who we are. Pianist Lara Downes' music shines a light on social justice, in the tradition of her own mother. 

Classical Album of the Week: Pianist Lara Downes Honors Clara Schumann's Life and Work

By • Mar 9, 2020

March 9, 2020. In For Love of You, pianist Lara Downes pays homage to the 19th-century pianist and composer Clara Wieck Schumann, playing solo piano works created by both Clara and Robert Schumann during a forbidden love affair before they eventually married.  

Watch and Listen: Pianist Lara Downes Plays Clara Schumann and More! Live from WRTI 90.1

By • Feb 12, 2020

Pianist Lara Downes' playing has been praised as "luscious, moody, dreamy" (The New York Times) and "addicting" (The Huffington Post). She visited the WRTI 90.1 Performance Studio in October, 2019 to play music from her new CD, For Love of You and more. WRTI's Susan Lewis is host.

Classical Album of the Week: Pianist Lara Downes' Vision of the American Dream

By • Jul 2, 2019

July 1, 2019. The hope in the "American Dream" is heard in the 2016 album, America Again, by pianist Lara Downes. WRTI’s Susan Lewis has the story.

Classical Album of the Week: For Lenny

By Jack Moore • Feb 27, 2018

Week of February 26, 2018. Pianist Lara Downes has put together a fascinating tribute to Leonard Bernstein, celebrating the 100th birthday of the conductor/composer/pianist.