A deeply rich program celebrating the connections made through music, this concert explores friendships old and new and pays tribute to the places and people that inspire us. Juan Pablo Contreras starts us off in Jalisco, Mexico, his birthplace, and the origin of mariachi music. This energetic homage highlights traditional mariachi rhythms accompanied by original melodies and places us in Plaza de Los Mariachis-feeling the vibrancy of song from the mariachi on every corner. A true champion of long-forgotten and diverse voices, pianist Lara Downes performs a pair of works for piano and orchestra by Duke Ellington and Billy Strayhorn, highlighting the lifelong musical partnership between the two. Ellington referred to Strayhorn as "My right arm, my left arm, and all the eyes in the back of my head." Rounding out the evening of celebrating relationships, Elgar's theme and fourteen variations are sketches of friends-full of admiration, deep seriousness, and humor. Each variation, a reflection of an individual, immortalizing their connection and friendship.