Lara Downes to Release New Album, 'Holes in the Sky'

On March 1, 2019, American pianist Lara Downes releases her new album, Holes in the Sky, on Portrait, an imprint of the Sony Music Masterworks label.The first single from the album, "Albatross," featuring Judy Collins, is now available on all major streaming platforms. "Holes in the Sky" is also available for pre-order here.

Holes in the Sky is a genre-fluid collection of music written and performed by today's leading female artists, celebrating the contributions of phenomenal women to the past, present, and future of American music.

This music tells the story of what women and girls can contribute to the world when they are given a chance - their dreams can make holes in the sky. The album is presented in support of with PLAN International Because I Am A Girl, supporting the rights and empowerment of girls and young women around the globe; Women's Empowerment, ending homelessness one woman - and one family - at a time; and the Lower East Side Girls Club, breaking the cycle of poverty by training the next generation of ethical, entrepreneurial, and environmental leaders.

Lara collaborates with an extraordinary multi-generational group of female guest artists on this album, including the iconic singer / songwriter Judy Collins, boundary-breaking violinist Rachel Barton Pine, singer / instrumentalist Rhiannon Giddens (2018 MacArthur Fellow), pianist Simone Dinnerstein, fast-rising cellist Ifetayo Ali-Landing, and the urban youth vocal ensemble Musicality.

Lara pre-launches the album in concert on February 23, presented by Washington Performing Arts, and is joined by special guest Rhiannon Giddensfor the event. This premiere will be followed by a national concert tour. Ms. Downes is also continuing a season-long arts education collaboration with Washington Performing Arts, connecting with school children in the D.C. metro area.