Fall Concert: Voice and Guitar

At The French Library Get Directions

American artists Matthew Hoch (baritone) and Aaron Larget-Caplan (guitar) present an Art Song Recital by French and American composers, including a world premiere by Boston composer Francine Trester.

The concert is a journey from a poetic French café and countryside, to the gardens and landscapes of Spain and America. This concert marks the celebration of Larget-Caplan’s recent award from the Société Académique Arts–Sciences–Lettres. It will be a dramatic and intimate event by two splendid artists.

Composers: Reynaldo Hahn, Roland Dyens, Joaquin Rodrigo, John Cage, Matyas Seiber, and Francine Trester.

Registration required.

Members

$14

Non-members

$24

Our program for the evening

First Performance: France & Boston
Tango en Skai (1992) | Roland Dyens (1955-2016 - France/Tunisia)
Berceuse* (2018) | Roger Eon (b. 1959 - France)
Mystic Flute, Op. 22* (1937) | Alan Hovhaness (1911-2000 – Somerville)

Boston Premieres
From ‘Mineral Spirits’ (2019)| Francine Trester (b. 1969 - Long Island/Newton) [/padded_text]

I. Black Obsidian (Apache Tears)
II. Sulfur

*World Premiere

Second Performance: French Influence
Gymnopédie N. I | Erik Satie (1866-1925)
Chess Pieces* | John Cage (1912-1992)
The Wonderful Widow of 18 Springs* | John Cage (1912-1992)

Third Performance: Mélodies Françaises
Quatre Mélodies* | Reynaldo Hahn (1874-1947)

I. À Chloris
II. Infidelité
III. L’énamourée
IV. L’Heure Exquise

Aranjuez, Ma Pensée | Joaquin Rodrigo (1900-1999)
Deux Chansons Folklorique | Matyas Seiber (1905-1960)

I. Réveillez-vous
II. Marguerite, elle est malade

* Written for or arranged by Aaron Larget-Caplan

An intermission of ten minutes will be observed after each performance. Light complimentary refreshments will be available. The event will start no later than 7:10 PM. Thank you for your understanding.

About the Performers

Matthew Hoch maintains a multi-faceted musical career as a professional baritone, teacher of singing, choral conductor, lecturer, and scholar. After early training in woodwinds and piano, Dr. Hoch graduated from the Pennsylvania Governor's School for the Arts as a saxophone major before devoting his career to voice performance, pedagogy, and literature.

www.matthewhoch.com

“Aaron Larget-Caplan is a riveting artist,” writes the Washington Post, and the Boston Musical Intelligencer says he has “astounding technical proficiency and artistic delicacy.” Aaron Larget-Caplan is an international recording and touring guitarist, who connects with audiences with Bernstein-esque ease. Aaron has premiered over 80 compositions, many written for him, had his groundbreaking arrangements of John Cage’s music published by Edition Peters and recorded by Stone Records. He also has four critically acclaimed solo discs. Aaron is on faculty at the University of Massachusetts Boston and formerly Boston Conservatory. In June 2019 Aaron received the Médaille D’Etain from the Socièté Académique Arts-Sciences-Lettres of Paris, France for his trailblazing work in music.

www.ALCGuitar.com

This event is made possible thanks in part to

Lin and Anka Hymel salute Aaron Larget Caplan for his Arts–Sciences–Lettres award and dedication to French culture, language, and music.

We salute Aaron Larget Caplan for his award and dedication to French music & life.

- Monroe Heyman, Green Realtor • www.MonroeHeyman.com

Paul Hatala, Alex Fedorov, Mu Phi Epsilon - Boston Alumni

Juan Oscar Azaret, Luthier

Upcoming Events

See All Upcoming Events

Social & Community

Online Conversation Club

Online event in French

Friday, October 2, 2026

Seeking opportunities to speak French? Join us online for our popular members-only conversation gathering.

Kids & Families

L'Heure du Conte

French story time!

Saturday, October 3, 2026

We invite parents and children to gather in the children's room of our library for a magical story time in French!

Talks & Discussions

The Frenchmen: French Theory from Paris to America

Emily Eakin in Conversation with Bruno Perreau

Tuesday, October 6, 2026

Join critic and essayist Emily Eakin and MIT professor Bruno Perreau for a lively conversation about The Frenchmen and how French theory captivated America, transformed intellectual life, and continues to shape today’s culture wars.

See All