Pianist John Kramer

The First Parish in Lincoln will host a “Live in Lincoln Center” concert by John Kramer performing “The People United Will Never Be Defeated” variations by Frederic Rzewski on Saturday, April 18 at 4:00pm in the parish house across from Bemis Hall. The 36 variations on the Chilean song “¡El pueblo unido jamás será vencido!” by Sergio Ortega and Quilapayún follows the 36 bars of the tune in six groups of six. The pianist, in addition to needing a virtuoso technique, is required to whistle, slam the piano lid, and catch the after-vibrations of a loud attack as harmonics: all of these are “extended” techniques in 20th-century piano writing.

This will be a “pay what you will” concert with all the proceeds supporting the Unaccompanied Children’s Program of the Immigration Institute of New England. Kramer is music director at the Winchester Unitarian Society and is on the faculty at Berklee College of Music in the Harmony Department.

Donate to the Live in Lincoln Center Concert Fund here (scroll down the drop-down menu to select “Give to Live in Lincoln Center Concerts”).