1920s-style concert set for Castine

CASTINE – Stephanie Wendt, accomplished performer and winner of numerous competitions as well as writer, radio producer and announcer, has created a musical program especially for Chautauqua Days.

“What Were They Thinking? Piano Music from the 1920s” will be presented at 4 p.m. Saturday, July 8, at Trinitarian Congregational Parish, 68 Main St.

Through her expertly researched commentary and exquisite performance, attendees will learn of what led to and influenced American music in the 1920s – from other countries and composers such as France’s Poulenc and Russia’s Stravinsky to as far back as the 1700s.

Although jazz was really the great new sound of the 1920s, participants will discover what led up to the ragtime era and hear examples of American music of the times in the works of such composers as Amy Beach, Aaron Copland and possibly Gershwin.

Raised in Australia, Wendt began her piano studies at the age of 5. She went on to earn a degree in piano performance from the Curtis Institute of Music, Indiana University; and a doctorate in musical arts from the University of Minnesota, studying with teachers such as Jorge Bolet, Gary Graffman and Enrica Cavallo-Gulli.

Wendt has performed as chamber musician and soloist on five continents in venues ranging from Avery Fisher Hall in New York City to a maximum security prison. She has held teaching positions at the University of Indianapolis, Bethel College in St. Paul and the University of Minnesota. She has worked as producer and host for Minnesota Public Radio and WCAL.

In 2003, Stephanie Wendt launched “Clara’s Visitor,” her one-woman play about Clara Schumann, receiving the McKnight Artist Fellowship for Performing Musicians and the Gracie Allen Award for Best Radio Portrait from American Women in Radio and Television. She debuted on CPRN in August 2005 as evening announcer and host of the Sunday morning show, “Sacred Classics.”

The Wilson Museum will sponsor the program. Tickets are $20.