Sparks & Wiry Cries will present its annual sparksLIVE 2026 series at the Thalia Theatre at Symphony Space, 2537 Broadway at 95th Street, from Thursday, Feb. 19, through Saturday, Feb. 21. The three-day festival will feature world premiere commissions, art song performances, and programming addressing socially relevant issues.
The series opens Feb. 19 at 7:30 p.m. with The Invisible Man, a recital by mezzo-soprano Stephanie Blythe and pianist Ryan MacEvoy McCullough. The program celebrates the music of American songwriter Harry Warren, highlighting works from the early 20th-century American Songbook and including world premiere arrangements by McCullough.
On Feb. 20 at 7:30 p.m., sparksLIVE will feature the world premiere of The Song Blanket, a commissioned work by Georgian Bay Métis artist Rebecca Hass. The piece draws on storytelling traditions and cultural memory, with performances by vocalists Lucy Shelton, Kamala Sankaram, Kate Morton and pianist Erika Switzer.
The festival concludes Feb. 21 at 7:30 p.m. with the tenth annual songSLAM competition. Fifteen teams of composers, singers and pianists will present new art songs to a voting audience. The evening also will feature the world premiere of Trial, the 2025 songSLAM Commission Prize, composed by Joshua Bornfield with poet Tom Haviv, soprano Marie Herrington and pianist Timothy Krippner.
Founded by Martha Guth and Erika Switzer, Sparks & Wiry Cries seeks to expand the reach of art song through innovative performances and community engagement. The organization has presented songSLAMs in four countries and 10 cities worldwide, and the 2026 edition will include both live and virtual components.
Tickets for all performances are available through Symphony Space, with prices ranging from $13 to $41. For more information, visit symphonyspace.org.
••••• Message Center••••
Follow us on social media: Facebook • Instagram • Threads • X • Bluesky • Tiktok • Reddit
Looking for news and events beyond NYC? Finding Connecticut and Finding The Hudson Valley have the latest happenings just north of the city!
Let’s create with Victory Designs
Need help with your creative needs? Our team has 20+ years of experience with Adobe, Shopify, and WordPress, and we offer affordable graphic design and web services. Let Victory Designs assist you with bringing your ideas to life.
Share your New York City experiences on instagram #findingnewyorkcity
Save on CBD!
My name is Jillian, and I am the editor here at Finding New York City. When I came across New England Hemp Farm a few years ago, I had recently had my ankle fused. New England Hemp Farm’s Sports Relief Rub and 500 MG Full Spectrum CBD Oil have helped with everyday and weather pain.
Finding quality products that can improve your day-to-day life can be tough, but with New England Hemp Farm, getting a good night’s sleep or relieving your pain and anxiety has never been easier. Plus, using our code NYC35, you’ll save 35% on your first purchase. Let us help you find relief and savings with New England Hemp Farm.
Products we use here at Finding New York City include Sports Relief Rub • 500 MG Full Spectrum CBD Oil • Pet Drops• Pet Treats