Multi-talented composer Lisa Ralia Heffter bridges the worlds of classical, rock and theater composition to create a dazzling universe of musical beauty in “From Mozart to Mars,” on Mon., Oct. 1, 7pm. The concert, a highlight of the ninth season of Calhoun’s Performing Arts Series, features a distinguished cast of vocalists, musicians–including surprise guests from Broadway.

Included in the evening’s program will be two of Lisa’s original compositions from her musical, Mars: 2076, a futuristic tale based on the American Revolution.

In addition to her work as a composer, Lisa is also a violist with the Distinguished Concerts International New York (DCINY) and the Manhattan Philharmonic.  She has toured France with the Manfred String Quartet and won first prize at BANFF in Canada and the Premier Grand Prix in France, and was one of the original founders of the Bordeaux String Quartet. She was also the original violist with The Elysium String Quartet, which debuted at Carnegie Hall. Lisa, who also teaches strings at Calhoun, is a graduate of The Juilliard School of Music.

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This is an excerpt from the third movement of “Rage” by Lisa Ralia Heffter. Laura Goldberg, violin; Jeremy Reger, piano. Moshe Knoll filmed the video on the iPad2. Laura is playing on a carbon fiber violin made by Luis and Clark.