American composers have long been inspired by the lavish spectacle and complex choreography of the circus. This concert musically evokes both the familiar and the mysterious aspects of circus, including clowns, the flying trapeze, menageries, and magic shows. Richard Gordon and Robert Osborne are joined by Mary Testa for a selection of songs by Richard Rodgers, Kurt Weill, Cole Porter, and others. A complimentary gallery talk precedes this concert at 2 pm. The concert begins at 3 pm.

Leon Botstein is president and Leon Levy Professor in the Arts and Humanities, Bard College. He is also the music director and principal conductor of the American Symphony Orchestra, as well as a contributing author to The American Circus, a collection of essays about the history of the circus in the United States. This concert includes an optional gallery talk at 2 pm.

Richard Gordon, pianist, has performed with opera companies in Washington, D.C.; St. Louis, Missouri; and Chautauqua, New York.

Robert Osborne, bass-baritone, has sung many roles in operas ranging from Bernstein to Weill. He is on the faculties of Barnard and Vassar Colleges.

Mary Testa is an American stage actress and a 2012 Drama Desk Award winner for three decades of outstanding work, including her performance in Queen of the Mist.