Greetings from the Director of Levanta
The theme for Levanta’s 2024-25 season is Music and Meaning. How does music make us feel? Why does a melody bring us joy or sorrow? What makes a rhythm pulse with energy or a harmony resonate with emotion?
Music creates meaning through a delicate balance of melody, harmony, rhythm, timbre, and dynamics. These elements work together to evoke emotions, tell stories, and express ideas. Cultural, social, and personal contexts also play a vital role, shaping how we interpret and respond to music. In essence, music’s power lies in its ability to connect deeply with our emotions and experiences, making each listening moment a unique journey of meaning.
We are thrilled to collaborate with the performing arts department at Albuquerque Academy for this concert. A special thanks goes to the department’s chair, Richard Hogle, and to my wonderful colleagues, Jeremy Mayne and Genevieve Leitner. Both are world-class guitar instructors who have guided their talented students to open the evening with a performance of “Nebulae” by Olga Amelkina-Vera. We are so fortunate to have them as part of this remarkable evening of music and discovery.
Warm regards,
Mickey Jones, Director, Levanta Institute for Music and Creativity
The Program
"Beings" (2009) - Olga Amelkina-Vera
- I. Minotaur
- II. Sylphs
- III. Salamander
"Ka Ao, Ka Ao, Ka Awatea" (The Dawning of a New Day) (2020) - Olga Amelkina-Vera
- I. Karakia (Chant)
- II. Rākaunui (Full Moon)
- III. Wiriwiri
- IV. Haeata (Dawn)
"In the Golden Gleam" (2023) - Olga Amelkina-Vera (inspired by Alice in Wonderland and Through the Looking Glass by Lewis Carroll)
- I. Never Imagine Yourself Not to Be Otherwise Than What It Might Appear to Others That What You Were or Might Have Been Was Not Otherwise Than What You Had Been Would Have Appeared to Them to Be Otherwise
- II. A Grin Without a Cat
- III. Six Impossible Things Before Breakfast
~INTERMISSION~
"Verabei" (2023) - Olga Amelkina-Vera (arr. Kithara Duo)
"Strong Stand We at Last" (2020) - Olga Amelkina-Vera (arr. Kithara Duo); on the centennial of the 19th Amendment
"Étoiles Par Grand Vent" (Stars in the Wind) (2019) - Olga Amelkina-Vera; Homage to Antoine de Saint-Exupéry
"Western Vista" (2021) - Olga Amelkina-Vera (arr. Kithara Duo)
About Kithara Duo
Kithara Duo, comprised of Olga Amelkina-Vera and Fernand Vera, has been captivating audiences for more than 20 years with their "touching musicality" and "seamless coordination" (Fort-Worth Star-Telegram). Since forming in 2002 at the University of North Texas, they’ve performed across Europe, South America, and the U.S., earning praise from the prestigious American Record Guide, which described their playing as “state-of-the-art."
Their debut album, Beings (2011), features award-winning compositions by Olga, who was hailed by Soundboard as “at the forefront of composers writing for the guitar today.” Their follow-up album, Lingua Franca (2015), showcases their arrangements of music spanning from the Renaissance to the 20th century. Most recently, they contributed to Ka Ao: Works for Guitar (2022), which includes three tracks by the duo.
Kithara Duo regularly performs and teaches at festivals and universities, including the Guitar Foundation of America and the St. Louis Classical Guitar Society. They also premiered Olga’s work “Étoiles Par Grand Vent” with the New Texas Symphony Orchestra. Renowned for their engaging outreach efforts, the duo is praised for connecting with audiences of all ages.
Opening Act: Albuquerque Academy’s Advanced Guitar Orchestra & Soloist Students
Performing “Nebulae” by Olga Amelkina-Vera | Conducted by Jeremy Mayne
- Meryem Anderoglu ’25
- Fernando Cuevas ’27
- Matthew Delaney ’25
- Ella Drescher ’25
- Theo Gallant ’25
- Elizabeth Hiller ’25
- Andreas Hofer ’27
- Andrew Kevan ’26
- Aden Lim ’27
- Micah Lim ’25
- Layla Logan ’25
- Mateo Martinez ’26
- Quinn Ross ’25
- Cruz Sandoval ’25
- Sowmya Sankaran ’27
- Marcelo Tohen ’26
- Ethan Varley ’25
Music and Meaning: A Workshop with Olga Amelkina-Vera
Our guest composer, Olga Amelkina-Vera, held a dynamic, hands-on workshop for music students from the Academy community and beyond, in which they explored the art of composing music that speaks directly from the heart and resonates deeply with emotions. This engaging session was open to both novice and expert musicians. This free event marked the first workshop in our Music and Meaning season at the Levanta Institute for Music and Creativity. The unique opportunity to learn from a master composer and discover how to create music that truly connects with the soul was a wonderful way to commence our 2024-25 season.
About Levanta
Levanta Institute for Music and Creativity is an Albuquerque Academy public program, open to all, that encourages creative experience and expression in every stage of life. Through performing and visual arts classes and workshops, private lessons, performance opportunities, concerts, and other creative presentations, youth and adults alike can discover and develop their creativity in a welcoming environment that values personal reflection and artistic action. Visit aa.edu/levanta.
With Appreciation
The Levanta Institute at Albuquerque Academy would like to extend a special thank you to these donors for their generous support. Their commitment to and passion for music and arts education are deeply inspiring and have helped make this remarkable event possible for our community.
- Fabio Fleitas ’12
- Diane Sansonetti and John Batty (parents of Clare Batty ’10 and Luke Batty ’12)
- Madison R. Jones ’12 and Aarya Engineer ’11
- Design Plus Architects (Rupal Engineer)
The Levanta Institute happens because of a lot of hard-working, sincere, and joyful people. We extend an additional heartfelt thanks to Julianne Puente, Shawn Ricketts, Sandy Timmons, Amy Keller, Francesca Garcia, Rocío Torres-Glidden, Becky Richards, Anne McLusky, Jesse Korman, Richard Hogle, Jeremy Mayne, Genevieve Leitner, John Truitt, Maddie Jones, and Aarya Engineer. You all are the best!
Upcoming Events
More exciting events happening at Simms Center for the Performing Arts
Jerusalem Quartet on Sunday, November 10, 3 p.m. For more information, visit the Chamber Music of Albuquerque.
Dreams of New Mexico: The Music of John Truitt – Tickets for Levanta’s December 7 concert are available now. This special concert celebrates the rich history, vibrant culture, and stunning artistry of New Mexico, all through the unique and visionary lens of New Mexico legend John Truitt. Immerse yourself in a musical journey that honors the spirit of the Southwest with compositions that echo the landscapes, traditions, and stories that make New Mexico truly extraordinary. Don’t miss this celebration of a local icon and the place we call home.