Lara Downes live in Berkeley

Experience Lara Downes live on January 28th

Lara Downes is a pianist known for her deeply expressive and genre-bending performances. Her musical style frequently blends classical repertoire with influences from jazz, blues, and American popular song, often incorporating improvisation and exploring themes of cultural identity and social justice within her programs. She is recognized for projects like “32 Americans,” a year-long exploration of American composers, and her work commissioning new pieces from diverse voices.

The concert will take place at First Congregational Church of Berkeley, California. Established in 1888, the church building itself is a significant example of Richardsonian Romanesque architecture, designed by Clinton Day. The current structure replaced an earlier wooden church dating back to 1876. Throughout its history, First Congregational Church has been actively involved in social justice movements, including advocating for civil rights and supporting community outreach programs.

The church’s sanctuary is noted for its exceptional acoustics, making it a favored venue for musical performances. It houses a notable pipe organ installed in 1937 by the Austin Organ Company which has been extensively restored over the years. The church continues to serve as an active congregation while also hosting various community events and artistic presentations.