A champion of living composers and Indigenous American music, pianist Roberta Rust presents evocative works by two Indigenous American composers. Louis W. Ballard (Quapaw/Cherokee, 1931–2007) was a prolific composer and considered the first and foremost Native American composer of North American art music. The 21st century music of Connor Chee (Diné/Navajo, b. 1987) combines his classical piano training with his Navajo heritage. “[Chee] writes evocatively for the instrument in an atmospheric and memorable language that is uniquely his own,” says Rust. Both composers’ works capture a unique perspective that bridges the gap between two disparate worlds.








