Aphorism Media Group

SOUTH BEND, IN – June 27, 2025 – Renowned soprano Meghan Kasanders and versatile pianist Dror Baitel are proud to announce the release of their new album, 'That Time of Evening,' available today. Recorded at the University of Notre Dame, this compelling project features Samuel Barber’s iconic Knoxville: Summer of 1915 and six profound songs by Sergei Rachmaninoff, offering a unique blend of American and Russian classical masterpieces.

'That Time of Evening' delves into the rich expressive possibilities of voice and piano. The album presents Samuel Barber’s Knoxville: Summer of 1915, originally conceived for voice and orchestra, with the piano expertly fulfilling the orchestral role through its lush and intricate textures. This rarely-recorded piano version, as originally envisioned by the composer, provides a significant and intimate interpretation of Barber’s masterpiece.

Complementing Barber’s work are six songs by Sergei Rachmaninoff: “The Pied Piper, Op. 38 no. 4,” “A Dream, Op. 38 no. 5,” “A-oo!, Op. 38 no 6,” “Sing not to me, beautiful maiden!, op. 4 no. 4,” “Lilacs, op. 21, no.5,” and “Spring Waters, op. 14 no. 11.” The piano parts in these songs, akin to Rachmaninoff’s solo piano works, showcase a diverse range of textures, from lyrical passages and solo interludes to virtuosic sections. Kasanders and Baitel’s interpretation emphasizes the dynamic interplay between voice and piano, while meticulously honoring the nuances of the Russian language and lyrics.

"This album is more than just a collection of beautiful pieces," says Dror Baitel. "The combination of Samuel Barber's American classic and Sergei Rachmaninoff's Russian songs transcends political boundaries, framing music and the arts as a vital catalyst for reconciliation and understanding."

Meghan Kasanders, hailed by Opera News Magazine as “a wonderfully promising, rich dramatic soprano” and a “master of her craft” by Opera Wire, brings her "gleaming sound and ample carrying power" (The New York Times) to this recording. A 2019 Grand Finalist in the Metropolitan Opera National Council Auditions, Kasanders has garnered numerous accolades, including First Prize and the Audience Choice Award in the Dallas Opera Guild Vocal Competition.

Dror Baitel, celebrated for his virtuosity and versatility, is a sought-after collaborator across various musical genres. His recent performances include a recital at the Carnegie Hall Citywide series with Ms. Kasanders and a collaboration with Marina Abramović in Shanghai, China. Baitel's debut album, Breaking Glass Ceilings: Music by Unruly Women, debuted at number 2 on the Billboard Traditional Classical chart.He also boasts a distinguished career in theater, having been part of the original music team for Hamilton and serving as pianist and conductor for the world premiere of Dear Evan Hansen.

About the Composers:

Samuel Barber (1910–1981) was an American composer and pianist renowned for his emotional depth and lyrical style. A graduate of the Curtis Institute of Music, his Adagio for Strings remains one of his most famous works. Barber's diverse compositions, including his Violin Concerto and the Pulitzer Prize-winning opera Vanessa, combine elements of American and European classical traditions, characterized by rich harmonies and expressive melodies.

Sergei Rachmaninoff (1873–1943) was a Russian composer, pianist, and conductor, considered one of the most influential musicians of the late Romantic era.His virtuosic piano skills are evident in his celebrated Piano Concertos No. 2 and No. 3. After emigrating to the United States, Rachmaninoff continued to compose and perform, leaving behind a rich catalog of works that blend lush romanticism with a distinctive Russian flavor.

'That Time of Evening' is available now on all major streaming platforms.

Media Contact:

https://aphorismmediagroup.org/dror-baitel

Aphorism Media Group