Colburn School Presents “Art of Song” Festival, Curated by James Conlon

with:
Mezzo-soprano Frederica ‘Flicka’ von Stade
Mezzo-soprano Susan Graham
Pianist Kevin Murphy
Singers from LA Opera’s Domingo-Colburn-Stein Young Artist Program
Singers from the Ravinia Festival’s Steans Institute
Piano students from the studio of Colburn faculty Fabio Bidini

Los Angeles, CA (Thursday, September 25, 2025) – The Colburn School will bring together distinguished artists and emerging voices for its Art of Song Festival, curated by LA Opera Music Director James Conlon. Showcasing the rich and varied repertoire of art song, the two-day festival is open to all and takes place at Colburn School on Saturday, October 18 and Sunday, October 19, 2025. Tickets are on sale now at https://colburnschool.edu/art-song-festival/.

Art song first appeared in the 18th century as music meant for performance in private homes, bringing singers and pianists together to interpret poetry set to music. The genre rose to prominence in the early 19th century, as the piano became a household status symbol and a source of in-home entertainment, fueling demand for works for voice and piano. By the late 19th century, art song had moved from the salon to the concert stage, evolving into a sophisticated genre of classical music.

The Art of Song Festival brings together torchbearers and rising voices of the art song tradition. Frederica ‘Flicka’ von Stade, Susan Graham, Kevin Murphy, and James Conlon are joined by singers from LA Opera’s Domingo-Colburn-Stein Young Artist Program, Ravinia Festival’s Steans Institute, and the Young Musicians Choral Orchestra, as well as piano students from the studio of Colburn faculty Fabio Bidini. Together, they’ll appear in concert, lead masterclasses, and engage in discussions that celebrate and advance the expressive power of art song.

“Song is one of the most universal forms of human expression, and with the Art of Song Festival, Colburn celebrates a genre that is both rooted in tradition and full of new possibilities,” said Sel Kardan, President and CEO of the Colburn School. “We are grateful for our partnership with James Conlon, and we look forward to welcoming audiences to experience the beauty of art song up close, while celebrating legendary artists along with the next generation of singers and pianists.”

“Art song is a uniquely intimate way to experience the beauty of music and poetry together,” said James Conlon. “I am delighted to work with our renowned guests and rising young talents for this inaugural festival at Colburn, and I look forward to sharing the power and richness of this timeless art form.”

The Festival begins on Saturday October 18 with two masterclasses: one led by Susan Graham, highly acclaimed American mezzo-soprano known for her interpretations of art song, and Kevin Murphy, esteemed pianist and artistic director of Ravina’s Steans Music Institute Singers Program, with the Ravinia Singers; and another with James Conlon and renowned American mezzo-soprano Frederica “Flicka” von Stade.

On Sunday, October 19, Susan Graham, Frederica “Flicka” von Stade, Kevin Murphy and James Conlon will host a pre-concert discussion, followed by a concert featuring the music of  Berlioz, Debussy, Korngold, Schubert, Weill, and more.

The Art of Song festival is generously supported by Dr. Laura Danly.

CALENDAR EDITORS, PLEASE NOTE:

Art of Song Festival
Saturday, October 18, 2025
at Colburn School’s Thayer Hall

• 10:00am-12:00pm: Master Class with Susan Graham and Kevin Murphy, with singers from the Ravinia Festival’s Steans Institute:

• • Rachel Blaustein, soprano
  • Robert Wente, baritone

• 1:30-3:30pm: Master Class with James Conlon and Frederica von Stade, with singers from LA Opera’s Domingo-Colburn-Stein Young Artist Program:

• • Gabrielle Turgeon, soprano
  • Hyungjin Son, baritone

Sunday, October 19, 2025

at Colburn School’s Zipper Hall

• 1:00-2:30pm: Pre-Concert Discussion with Susan Graham, Frederica ‘Flicka’ von Stade, Kevin Murphy, and James Conlon
• 3:00pm: Concert
• Featuring the music of Berlioz, Debussy, Korngold, Schubert, Weill, and more.

Tickets are on sale now at https://colburnschool.edu/art-song-festival/.

Directions and parking

Bios
James Conlon https://jamesconlon.com/
Susan Graham https://imgartists.com/roster/susan-graham/
Frederica ‘Flicka’ von Stade https://imgartists.com/roster/frederica-von-stade/
Kevin Murphy https://music.indiana.edu/faculty/current/murphy-kevin.html

About Colburn School

A performing arts institution located in the heart of Los Angeles, the COLBURN SCHOOL trains students from beginners to those about to embark on professional careers. The academic units of the School provide a complete spectrum of music and dance education united by a single philosophy: that all who desire to study music or dance should have access to top-level instruction.

• The diploma- and degree-granting Conservatory of Music is distinguished by a unique all-scholarship model, renowned faculty, and outstanding performance opportunities. It prepares the very highest level of collegiate musicians for professional careers.
• The Music Academy is a highly selective training program for gifted young pre-collegiate musicians, designed to prepare students for conservatory study and performing careers at the highest levels of achievement. This residential program balances performance, musical instruction, and academics.
• The Community School of Performing Arts welcomes students of all ages, from seven months old to adults. It offers over 120 classes each year in orchestral instruments, piano, guitar, voice, jazz, music theory, drama, and ensembles including orchestra, choir, and chamber music.
• The Trudl Zipper Dance Institute develops performers of all levels, from aspiring professionals in the Dance Academy to beginners starting in Youth Dance. Students of all levels receive training in ballet, tap, and modern genres as part of a comprehensive dance education.
• Created to serve all units of the School, the Center for Innovation and Community Impact empowers the musical and dance leaders of tomorrow by nurturing students’ passion and ability to serve their communities, preparing them for sustainable careers, and embracing the development of new ideas. The Center embodies Colburn’s commitment to developing young artists with the curiosity, skills, and commitment to make a difference in their field.

Each year, more than 2,000 students from around the world come to Colburn to benefit from the renowned faculty, exceptional facilities, and focus on excellence that unites the community.

In 2024, the Colburn School broke ground on the Frank Gehry-designed Colburn Center, a multi-faceted campus expansion of the Colburn School. Located across the street from the School’s existing campus at the intersection of Olive and Second Streets, the building will enable the School to expand its mission of presenting programs for the public. Gehry’s design includes a 1,000-seat in-the-round concert hall named for Terri and Jerry Kohl Hall, five professional-sized dance studios including a 100-seat studio theater, and gardens that bring fresh air and green spaces to the downtown landscape. The expansion will more than double the facilities for the School’s Trudl Zipper Dance Institute, creating one of the most comprehensive dance education complexes in Southern California.