★★★★

The beauty of Bel Canto isn’t only for musicians, but for anyone who recognizes the beauty of art in their everyday life. Set against an unlikely background of a hostage situation in an unnamed South American country (loosely based in the ‘96 Lima Crisis in Peru), this novel deeply explores the intricate set of relationships that develop among the captives over several months, as they gradually turn to art, music, and companionship to find solace in their confinement.

A look back at everything Composition Corner accomplished in 2024, and what’s next on the agenda for 2025, including a new line of products and our largest event to date. “The arts are not a way to make a living. They are a very human way of making life more bearable.” - Kurt Vonnegut

★★★★½

This story is a haunting tale of ambition, friendship, and betrayal, where Shakespearean tragedy bleeds into real life with devastating consequences. “For us, everything was a performance.” This line captures the essence of M.L. Rio’s debut novel, which transports readers to a fictional, elite Shakespearean conservatory.

Megan Chartier, a classical cellist, creates musical illustrations between performances under the name Inkermezzo. This creative alias combines the words ink, her favored medium, and intermezzo, a short musical movement inserted between acts of a larger work.

The Book Barn in Niantic, Connecticut is a haven for readers, with three unique locations packed floor-to-ceiling with books. What really sets the Book Barn apart is its eclectic mix of literature - whether you’re on the hunt for the newest bestsellers or a rare vintage classic, this is a highly recommended & cozy shop for all creatives.

★★★★

An exquisitely crafted tale blending the idyllic suburban life with the tumultuous world of ballet, this book follows the lives of multiple professional dancers as they fight against challenges, grief, jealousy and more, culminating in a final reveal that resonates deeply with all characters in a multitude of ways.

Carrin Tanaka is a Los Angeles-based music composer and graphic designer who turns music concepts into visual artwork. Carrin holds a degree in music composition and has found her niche collaborating with filmmakers and writing music for media.

Composition Corner participates in select in-person events across Fairfield County. Check back for updates on where we’ll be located next! COMING UP THIS FALL: The Old Fashioned Flea Market, September 2024 | Waveny Arts Festival, October 2024

Alexa Rosenberg is a writer, opera singer, and production manager dedicated to the joys of storytelling. After earning her M.M. from the San Francisco Conservatory of Music, she moved back to Brooklyn to embark on what would turn into an eclectic, multi-hyphenate career.

★★★★★

This incredible debut novel beautifully details the ups and downs of being a musician - the passion, the pressure, and most importantly the internal struggles - but manages to deliver them in such a way that it makes you laugh rather than cry.

Maura Lefevre is a multi-hyphenate artist based in Los Angeles. After receiving her Bachelor of Music degree in Opera Performance, she took her love of calligraphy and painting and her musical background and created Pen and Pear: a one stop shop for hand-calligraphed sheet music.