Theatre lovers and music lovers alike know the works of Stephen Sondheim. But how many fully appreciate the power and complexity of Sondheim’s familiar compositions?

In a multi-year project undertaken with the composer’s blessing, Anthony de Mare has invited 36 of the world’s foremost contemporary composers to each re-imagine a Sondheim song of their choosing, scored for solo piano.

This performance will feature the premiere of a Center-commissioned work by Frederic Rzewski entitled “The News” inspired by “I’m Still Here” from Follies. The 20 works on the program also include “Epiphany” from Sweeney Todd, re-imagined by John Musto; “Being Alive” from Company, re-imagined by Gabriel Kahane; and “Send in the Clowns” from A Little Night Music, re-imagined by Ethan Iverson.

Anthony de Mare presented the Clarice Smith Center premiere of Liaisons, featuring Center-commissioned works by composers Jake Heggie, Bernadette Speach and Kenji Bunch (2010-2011).