June H. Edwards Mosaic Series

Celebrate Local highlights South Bend’s vibrant compositional talent, showcasing works by local composers John Liberatore, Jorge Muñiz, and Marjorie Rusche. This program features guest pianist Clare Longendyke and South Bend Symphony Principal Flute Leslie Short.   Program John LIBERATORE Piano Concerto - (Clare Longendyke, piano) Jorge MUÑIZ Concerto for Flute and Orchestra - (Leslie Short, flute) Marjorie RUSCH Eclipse - (Clare Longendyke, piano)   About Clare Longendyke, Piano Photo by Chris Whonsettler Pianist Clare Longendyke is a soloist, chamber musician, and fearless advocate for new music who brings daring repertoire and thoughtful storytelling to the concert stage. Her performances are marked by imaginative programming, charismatic stage presence, and a gift for weaving together contemporary works and classical favorites. In 2024, Clare released her debut solo album, …Of Dreams Unveiled, featuring music by Claude Debussy, Amy Williams, and Anthony R. Green. The album debuted at #2 on the Billboard Traditional Classical chart and was praised as “a work of remarkable pianistic invention” (The WholeNote) and “delightfully daring” (EarRelevant). A passionate collaborator with living composers, Clare has commissioned more than 30 new works and premiered over 250 pieces in the last decade. Her programs often pair canonical composers like Beethoven, Debussy, and Amy Beach with today’s most compelling musical voices, creating concerts that speak to the depth of the classical tradition. Highlights of Clare’s 2025/26 season include appearances with Symphony New Hampshire, the South Bend Symphony Orchestra, and the Atlanta Contemporary Music Collective. She has appeared on recital series across the country and as a soloist with the Mankato Symphony, Rochester Symphony, and Symphonicity. Clare holds degrees from Boston University and Indiana University’s Jacobs School of Music. Whether from the stage or in conversation, Clare invites audiences into the heart of her artistry—one that builds bridges between tradition and transformation and brings the concert experience vividly to life.   About Leslie Short, Flute Leslie Short is a ...