The Sanctuary on the Green Arts, Cultural, and Community Alliance, in collaboration with Vox Novus, is proud to present the next concert in its Sanctuary Sounds series: “Beyond the Scores – Glimpses into the Lives of Classical Composers”, featuring violinist Laurel Gagnon and pianist Marina Iwao, on Sunday, March 30th at 3:00 PM.

This intimate performance invites audiences to explore the personal and cultural contexts behind iconic classical works, revealing the human stories woven into the music of Samuel Coleridge-Taylor, Maurice Ravel, Richard Strauss, Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, and George Gershwin.

Program highlights include:

  • Sonata for Violin and Piano in B-flat Major, KV 454 – W.A. Mozart
  • Selections from Porgy and BessGeorge Gershwin, arr. Heifetz
  • Suite for Violin and Piano, Op. 3 – Samuel Coleridge-Taylor
  • Sonata for Violin and Piano in E-flat Major, Op. 18 – Richard Strauss

Laurel Gagnon is an award-winning violinist praised for her “naturalness… both disarming and distinctive” (The Straits Times, Singapore). A top prizewinner of the Elmar Oliveira and Singapore International Violin Competitions, she currently studies with Augustin Hadelich at the Yale School of Music.

Marina Iwao is a sought-after pianist whose collaborative performances span prestigious venues including Carnegie Hall and Merkin Concert Hall. She is a dedicated interpreter of contemporary works and a member of Random Access Music, frequently premiering compositions by living composers.

This event is part of Sanctuary on the Green’s mission to create a home for art, culture, and community engagement in the heart of Bloomfield. Sanctuary Sounds continues to offer world-class music in an inviting and inspiring space.

Suggested Donation is $10 or pay what you can.