Guitars & Poems

Join us for an unforgettable evening wherein strings meet stanzas, and music and poetry intertwine in bold, beautiful harmony. On June 21st, Composers Concordance proudly presents Guitars & Poems—a vibrant concert event celebrating the synergy between sound and word, hosted at the dynamic Jim Kempner Fine Art gallery.

An eclectic lineup of acclaimed guitarists, vocalists, and poets will bring to life brand-new works by boundary-pushing composers. This evening is not just a concert—it’s a celebration of creative spirit, sonic exploration, and poetic resonance.

We are especially honored to feature a performance by Nikolas Rowland, the winner of the inaugural Sean Satin Memorial Guitar Prize, established in loving memory of our dear friend and collaborator. Sean, who passed away on April 19th, 2024, was a passionate music educator and a relentless champion of contemporary guitar music. This new competition carries forward his legacy to inspire new generations of guitarists in finding their voice. Nikolas will perform Maestoso—Like a Passacaglia from Five Preludes by Jay Kauffman

Featured compositions include:

🎸 For Sean — composed by Gene Pritsker, with a poignant poem of the same name by Erik T. Johnson

🎸 Sleepless — music by Jane Getter, with the poem Rock-and-Roll Abortion by Ray Tuttle

🎸 Wissahickon Memories — music and poem by Judi Silvano

🎸 Por Qué De Mis Sueños, Por Qué Despertarme? — music by Stephanie Susberich, featuring Two Loves Lost by Peter Christian Hall

Also featuring works by: William Anderson, Bruce Arnold, Daniel Blake, Jane Getter, Jay Kauffman, Paulo Lopez, Lee McClure, David Saperstein, Emiliano Revert, and Edin Solis.

Let your ears and imagination wander—on this night guitars will sing and poetry will dance.

The concert will also be live-streamed on Composers Concordance's Facebook Page.

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Listing Information
Composers Concordance Presents
Guitars & Poems
Featuring the Sean Satin Memorial Guitar Prize

Saturday, June 21st, 2025 at 7pm
Jim Kempner Fine Arts
501 W 23rd St, NYC

Live Stream

Composers:
William Anderson, Bruce Arnold, Daniel Blake,
Jane Getter, Jay Kauffman, Paulo Lopez,
Lee McClure, Gene Pritsker, David Saperstein,
Judi Silvano, Emiliano Revert, Edin Solis,
Stephanie Susberich

Performers:
Guitarists:
William Anderson, Bruce Arnold,Daniel Conant, Oren Fader, Jane Getter, Gene Pritsker

The Winner of the Sean Satin Memorial Guitar Prize:
Nikolas Rowland

Others:
Judi Silvano - voice
Stephanie Susberich - voice
Daniel Blake - straight alto saxophone

Poets:
Roger Aplon, Max Dorfman, Robert C. Ford, John S. Hall, Peter Christian Hall,Erik T. Johnson,
Jim Kempner, Imelda O'Reilly, John Pietaro, Michal Shapiro, Ray Tuttle,
Ruthie Adamson AKA Wonky Wordsmith