The Santa Maria Philharmonic presents Music at the Library: Latin American Art Songs

Saturday, June 14th, 2025 @ 3:00 pm at Shepard Hall in the Santa Maria Public Library

INFECTIOUS RHYTHMS, HAUNTING MELODIES, OPTIMISM, BEAUTY, and ROMANCE – A concert rich in musical diversity, the Art Songs of Latin America program showcases beautiful songs and varied styles of Latin American classical vocal music which are seldom heard in concert halls. A compelling series of projected images illustrates the stories told in the songs – providing backgrounds on the composers, poets, and styles of music presented, and highlighting the beauty of the countries which gave birth to the music. Audiences are transported from the estuaries in Venezuela to the pampas of Argentina; from the grief at an Aztec burial to the bliss of a child’s imagination; from the yearning of two lovers separated by the vast ocean to the thrill of a young couples’ first kiss. The programs offer an artistically satisfying blend of styles at once both unfamiliar and accessible. Fall in love with the music and poetry of Latin America – join us for Art Songs of Latin America!

The ‘Music at the Library’ series is presented by the Santa Maria Philharmonic Society.

Lynne Garrett

Lynne Garrett has enjoyed a dual career as both a pianist and violinist, truly embodying a lifelong dedication to her craft.

Her parents loved music, and it was part of everyday life in the household. She anxiously began piano lessons at age 7, and group violin at age 8 through the excellent public-school program in Oakland, California. Her unwavering love for music led her to earn a BA in piano performance at UC Santa Barbara. While there, she met the renowned Hungarian pedagogue Dusi Mura, who had a profound influence on her as a pianist and musician.

Driven by a spirit of discovery, Ms. Garrett left the West Coast and journeyed to Buffalo, New York, where she spent 7 years as a teacher, piano soloist, chamber musician, and freelance violinist. She continued her studies at the Eastman School of Music in Rochester, New York, where she studied with Rebecca Penneys. There, she earned the MM and DMA degrees in Piano Performance and Literature.

For the following ten years Dr. Garrett taught at Universities in Arkansas, Kansas, and Texas before returning to California. After a decade of college teaching, she returned to teaching privately in her own studio in Orcutt, CA. For the next 20 years, she was delighted by a steady stream of fascinating young students. Now, she has relocated to Oregon, where she continues to share her love for music through performing and teaching.

During her years as a college educator, she joined with some of her favorite musicians, including soprano Ursula Maria Kleinecke, and became a founding and performing member of the contemporary music ensemble 'Colloquy'. Together, they commissioned several new works and brought their vibrant performances across the US, in Canada, Mexico, and in London, UK.

Ursula Maria Kleinecke

Soprano Ursula Maria Kleinecke was born and raised in Mexico, where, as the daughter of a pianist and arranger, she was immersed in the world of music from an early age. She feels a deep and heartfelt connection to the power of the voice to touch the soul, to move hearts, and to inspire hope. Praised for her “warm, full sounding soprano voice with a particularly rich, pleasing upper register… technically strong and musically communicative” (Fanfare), her artistry resonates with genuine emotion.

As a performing artist, Ms. Kleinecke is especially drawn to the rich melodies of the Americas. Her Art Songs of Latin America project showcases many beautiful songs and diverse styles of Latin American classical vocal music, rarely heard in concert halls. Her programs offer a compelling and artistically satisfying blend of unfamiliar yet accessible music, inviting audiences to feel and connect deeply with each piece.

As a founding member of the chamber ensemble Colloquy, Ms. Kleinecke performed throughout California and in the Midwest. In addition, Ms. Kleinecke has performed across Scandinavia, Europe, Mexico, and the USA. Her recordings include an intimate album of boleros and beloved Mexican and Latin American popular songs with her late father, pianist Tito Enriquez; and Songs of Lee Hoiby with pianist Maria Pérez, released on Albany Records (TROY1102).

Beyond her captivating performances, Ms. Kleinecke dedicates herself to teaching. She serves as Lecturer in Music at Pomona College, where she teaches musicianship and voice. She also maintains a private voice studio, guiding students to discover and develop their voices with heartfelt dedication and purpose.

Ms. Kleinecke earned a Bachelor of Music degree in Theory and Composition from the University of the Pacific, and a Master of Music degree in Vocal Performance and Literature from the Eastman School of Music. Her musical journey also took her to the Sibelius Academy in Finland, where she studied through a Finlandia Foundation Scholarship, fueling her devotion to her craft and expanding her artistic horizons. During her period of study, Ms. Kleinecke received recognition at vocal competitions including the Young Artists Competition in Redlands (CA), the National Association of Teachers of Singing, and the Metropolitan Opera National Council Auditions.

This concert is free to the public, donations are accepted.

Let’s SAFELY Listen Local Live! All current state and county health guidelines will be observed.

Please check this page for updates, check our website, or call prior to the event - https://smphilharmonic.org; (805) 925-0412.

For questions or assistance with reservations, please call the Santa Maria Philharmonic office at (805) 925-0412.

Music at the Library: Latin American Art Songs

Part of the Music at the Library concert series presented by the Santa Maria Philharmonic Society