Beginning with a short work for solo piano entitled “Farewell,” this program begins with an ending. But just as any end brings a new beginning, this is a celebration of music’s ability to create beauty from brokenness and community from loss. Gradually, the group of performers grows: first, in a duet for flute and vibraphone entitled “Free Dive” that conjures a breathless plummet into deep water and the hallucinogenic state that divers describe upon reaching the bottom. Next, a trio for violin, cello, and piano called Past Life that imagines the changing life of a sacred space over many years. The first half of the concert culminates in the world premiere of a new work for the full sextet by Ellis Ludwig-Leone, written for this occasion. The second half of the program sees Eighth Blackbird joined by Ludwig-Leone’s band San Fermin, performing songs from their most recent album Arms, which was written by Ludwig-Leone during a tumultuous period following a couple of breakups. Hailed as “masters of highbrow chamber pop” by Rolling Stone, San Fermin’s music lends itself equally well to the concert hall or the festival stage. In this intimate evening of chamber music and songs, genre distinctions are disregarded in favor of storytelling, and a recognition of the alchemical power of music to transform loss into something life-affirming and communal. What emerges is not a linear arc but a cycle—an ending that generates motion, a farewell that becomes the energy required to begin again.

All works by Ellis Ludwig-Leone

"Farewell" - for solo piano
"Free Dive" - for flute and vibraphone
"Past Life" - for violin, cello, piano
"Family Machine" - for sextet (world premiere)

- Intermission-

Songs by San Fermin - with brand new arrangements for Eighth Blackbird by Ellis Ludwig-Leone & Lisa Kaplan

VIP tickets include early entry into the venue and meet and greet with San Fermin and Eighth Blackbird.

VIP Doors and Meet and Greet: 6:30-7:30pm
GA Doors: 7:30pm

This signature series at the Athenaeum Center explores how art, faith, and the human spirit transform suffering into hope. Each evening offers an intimate performance or curated presentation, sometimes paired with conversation and other times expressed through a powerful artistic dialogue, inviting audiences to encounter creators whose work reflects resilience, restoration, and redemption. Through music, film, literature, and the visual arts, the series creates space for reflection, connection, and the discovery of beauty emerging from life’s hardest places.

Jeppson's Malort

The Diehl Family, in memory of John Diehl

If you interested in sponsoring this event, please contact emily.anderson@athenaeumcenter.org