Vt. pianist, composer shares his ‘Inheritances’ in a homecoming concert
October 6, 2025 | By Waterbury Roundabout
TURNmusic presents acclaimed pianist Adam Tendler and his latest sonic project, 'Inheritances: Homecoming,' in concert Nov. 16 at the Barre Opera House. Photo by Cameron McLeod
Vermont-grown piano virtuoso Adam Tendler returns to his hometown of Barre next month for a concert performance that promises to be both deeply personal and a reflection of work by many composers.
On Sunday, Nov. 16, at the Barre Opera House, Tendler performs “Inheritances: Homecoming.” The concert event is presented by Waterbury’s TURNmusic. Tendler is a member of TURNmusic’s Board of Directors and a former student of TURNmusic Director Anne Decker.
Tendler presently is riding a wave of accolades for his ongoing work and his creativity in sparking new compositions around this theme. The Minneapolis Star Tribune dubbed him the “hottest pianist on the American contemporary classical scene.” Likewise, the Washington Post called Tendler a “relentlessly adventurous pianist,” echoed by The Los Angeles Times’ praise as a “remarkably insightful musician.”
TURNmusic presents acclaimed pianist Adam Tendler and his latest sonic project, 'Inheritances: Homecoming,' in concert Nov. 16 at the Barre Opera House. Album cover art.
After his father’s unexpected death, Tendler used his complete inheritance – an envelope full of cash received in a parking lot – to commission a broad spectrum of today’s most sought-after composers, many also his friends, to compose pieces for piano exploring the theme of “inheritance.”
The result now is a collection of new work woven into an intimate program of what the New York Times calls “little masterpieces” inspired by the universal story of lineage, loss, and place.
The cover art of the album pays tribute to Tendler’s father using a snapshot he said he found following his father’s death. Tendler was captivated by the half-exposed frame and he lingered on “just how handsome he looked, and so unlike any other picture I’d seen of him. And certainly not like I had ever seen him.”
As the project came together, Tendler said he chose the young, carefree version of his father for the art. “I knew it had to be that photo,” he said. “And, very intentionally, we retained the overexposed blank half of the picture (and also refrained from filling it with text). That element gives, to me, a sense of something stolen and unrealized, which we’ll never know or get back — and the space that takes up.”
The November concert program for “Inheritances” – also recorded as an album – features original works by an all-star lineup including Laurie Anderson, Devonté Hynes, Nico Muhly, inti figgis-vizueta, Pamela Z, Ted Hearne, Angélica Negrón, Christopher Cerrone, Marcos Balter, Missy Mazzoli, Darian Donovan Thomas, Sarah Kirkland Snider, Scott Wollschleger, Mary Prescott, Timo Andres, and John Glover.
The performance is at 2 p.m. on Nov. 16 at The Barre Opera House. Tickets: $20-$50; 18 and under are free. Buy in advance online and see more at adamtendler.com.