ABERDEEN, S.D. – Kindred Spirits: Songs of Friendship and Connection
A Celebration of Musical Collaboration with Darci Bultema, soprano, and Anne Marie Giffin, piano

Join us for an afternoon of exquisite music as soprano Darci Bultema and pianist Anne Marie Giffin present Kindred Spirits: Songs of Friendship and Connection, a recital celebrating the bonds of friendship and artistic collaboration. This special performance will take place on Sunday, Jan. 26, 2025, at 3 p.m. in the Jewett Theater at the Johnson Fine Arts Center. Admission is free, and the event is suitable for all ages.

This thoughtfully curated program highlights the unique friendships that shaped some of classical music’s most enduring works, including the deep connection between Johannes Brahms and Robert and Clara Schumann. It also pays homage to the enduring friendship between Bultema and Giffin, who first connected as graduate students at the prestigious Peabody Conservatory of Music. Their shared passion for collaboration has led to performances across the United States, winning acclaim for their artistry and connection.

The program will feature works by Johannes Brahms, Robert Schumann, Claude Debussy, Charles Tomlinson Griffes and Alfred Bachelet, including Griffes’ evocative Three Poems of Fiona MacLeod, a cornerstone of the duo’s repertoire.

About the Artists
Hailed for her expressive artistry and compelling stage presence, Darci Bultema has performed extensively in opera, concert and recital settings. A champion of lesser-known repertoire, she has showcased art songs by Latin American and Scandinavian composers at international festivals and is dedicated to commissioning new works by American composers. Her commitment to contemporary music is exemplified by her contributions to the CD Life on the Edge: New Works for Soprano, Clarinet, and Piano, which features world-premiere recordings of commissioned pieces with the Virinca Trio, of which Bultema is a member. Since 2007, Dr. Bultema has been a dedicated member of the voice faculty at Northern State University, where she nurtures the next generation of vocal artists and music educators.

Anne Marie Giffin is an award-winning classical pianist celebrated for her dynamic performances and dedication to the art of piano music. A frequent soloist with the Jacksonville Symphony Orchestra in her youth, she has performed extensively across the southeastern United States, including notable collaborations such as the Delius Piano Concerto with Dr. Gerson Yessin. Her artistry has earned her top honors, including first prize at the Bartók-Kabalevsky-Prokofiev International Piano Festival and regional titles in the MTNA Collegiate Artist Competition. With degrees from Indiana University, the Peabody Institute and Florida State University, Giffin combines rigorous training with a passion for teaching. She currently inspires students as a music educator at May Overby Elementary and as a private instructor in Aberdeen, South Dakota.

Anne Marie Giffin continues to captivate audiences and nurture the next generation of musicians with her artistry and expertise.