Samuel Barber’s famous song setting of James Agee’s Knoxville Summer 1915 describes a summer evening in a small-town, southern neighborhood.  The 1828 Menard House and recently completed Menard Hall are the perfect setting to here Barber’s uniquely American voice.  Join us for an opening night celebration, with socializing and refreshments in shade of the Menard House’s beautiful live oaks and elegant gazebo.  Through Barber’s enchanting harmonies and nostalgic melodies, be transported to the lazy, southern summer evenings of turn of the century Galveston.  This concert features an incredible ensemble accomplished performers, including international opera star Cynthia Clayton and Restoration Chamber Music Artistic Directors, Brinton Averil Smith and Evelyn Chen.