WHO: DePaul University’s School of Music

WHAT: Will present United Sounds of America (USA), an ambitious celebration of American music featuring more than 30 classical, jazz and opera events, discussions and educational programs presented by distinguished guest artists, DePaul music faculty and students

WHEN & WHERE: March 13 to June 5. The events will be held at various venues on and off campus.

BACKGROUND: Organized by renowned pianist and DePaul faculty member Eteri Andjaparidze, USA was inspired by the unique diversity of America’s musical heritage and the endurance of the American spirit after the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks. The goal is to evoke awareness and appreciation for American music in all its forms.

A versatile pianist who plays classical music and jazz, Andajaparidze is a Grammy nominee (for a recording of music written by Illinois jazz pianist/composer Zez Confrey), a laureate of the Tchaikovsky and Montreal music competitions, and holds the Republic of Georgia’s highest national cultural title, People’s Artist of Georgia.

KEY USA EVENTS IN MARCH AND EARLY APRIL:

March 14-16: The DePaul Opera Theatre Presents Leonard Bernstein’s “Candide,” 7:30 p.m. on March 14 and 15, and 2 p.m. March 16, Merle Reskin Theatre, 60 E. Balbo Drive. Chicago premiere of the Scottish Opera version of this great comic operetta, with music and orchestration by Leonard Bernstein; book adapted from Voltaire by Richard Wilbur, with additional lyrics by Stephen Sondheim, John Latouche, Lillian Hellman, Dorothy Parker and Leonard Bernstein. Harry Silverstein directs; Robert Debbaut conducts. Tickets are $5 to $25. (312) 922-1999. On March 13, original Harold Prince production cast member Deborah Darr will lead a free discussion, “My Travels with Candide,” at 7:30 p.m., DePaul Recital Hall, 804 W. Belden Ave.

April 2: AmerKlavier - Coaxing the Piano, 6 p.m., Belden-Stratford foyer, 2300 Lincoln Park West. American light classical and jazz piano music will be performed by DePaul faculty pianists Eteri Andjaparidze and Larry Novak. The event launches the AmerKlavier concert/discussion series exploring American piano music as part of DePaul’s United Sounds of America music festival. On April 3, Andjaparidze and Novak discuss jazz piano works at 5 p.m., DePaul Recital Hall, 804 W. Belden Ave. Both events are free. (773) 325-7260.

April 8: AmerKlavier - Guest Artist Piano Recital: Fredrik Ullén, 8 p.m., DePaul Concert Hall, 800 W. Belden Ave. Virtuoso Swedish pianist Fredrik Ullén will perform the 90-minute work “Trinity,” the longest piano composition to date by Chicago composer George Flynn, a DePaul faculty member. The piece reflects Flynn’s vivid memories of the Vietnam War and other events in American history. Free. (773) 325-7260.

EDITOR’S NOTE: Media interested in interviewing Andjaparidze about the festival or covering USA events should contact Robin Florzak, DePaul Media Relations, at 312/362-8592 or rflorzak@depaul.edu.