On Saturday October 25, I was invited by the Mu Phi Epsilon Boston Alumni to speak about my career.
Over the course of just over an hour I highlighted a bit of my studies, a few of my projects including starting the New Lullaby Project, various recordings, how I started arranging and composing, and some of the things that inspired me to build a performance career in classical music.
You are invited to take a listen and of course send me in questions.
A giant thank you to the Boston Alumni for the great questions, listening, and being so supportive over the last 25+ years!
On October 12 in Newport, Rhode Island, I had the pleasure of sharing an All-New Lullaby Project concert for the first Newport Classical Kids Concert.
With a Nor’easter baring down on us, we experienced 10 contemporary lullabies including premiere n. 81 by Jin Hee Han.
Over 40min of music and the kids were awesome. A few drew and moved around, others dozed off, and they all listened!
Never underestimate your audience, challenge, and present beauty. They will listen!!
Thank you Trevor Neal and Newport Classical team!
Thanks to composer Ronald Pear and Ian Wiese for coming too!
Watch New Lullaby Project Composer Shorts:
Newport Classical Kid’s Program
Presents
Aaron Larget-Caplan’s New Lullaby Project
October 12, 2025
Program
A World of Your Own (2012) Jim Dalton
Remembering (2021) Laurie Spiegel
Ninna Nanna (2021) Pasquale Tassone
Berceuse Inquiète (2021) Ronald Pearl
Night Echoes (2025) – World Premiere (no. 81) Jinhee Han
Lullaby (2020) Stepan Rak
Stuff at Night (2024) Larget-Caplan
Counting Backwards (2021) Anthony Green
Midnight Train (2021) Ian Wiese
All Through the Night (2024) Keane Southard
New Lullaby Project
Begun in 2007 by Aaron Larget-Caplan, the New Lullaby Project present bridge the chasms of fear of contemporary music to audiences and composers in writing for the guitar. Since then it has premiered of over 80 New Lullabies by 75 composers from 12 countries, issued three albums and two anthologies of scores published by the American Composers Alliance.
Who’s afraid of a lullaby?!
There are two basic types of lullabies: one gives the listeners warmth and protection, while the second tends to be darker with hints of fear. The former calls for good dreams to the wary soul and lets him know that he will awake safely in a better tomorrow. The latter lives on the idea that night and even sleep can be dangerous. Maybe this comes from the folk tradition of tempering our demons by singing to them, voicing our fears that are greater than our worldly matters, or the simple truth that one can catch a cold if one’s feet are not fully covered while sleeping.
Though summer and the scent of Plumeria linger in the garden amongst the still flirtatious birds, the 2025-2026 music season has begun. I am honored to share so much music with so many. I’m especially excited for the premiere of my first work for choir and guitar, “Cider Meditation” which will be premiered in Colorado in December. The score will be published by the American Composers Alliance.
September – 4 different programs in the month with 5 concerts, including:
Rune of Hospitality by Alf Houkom for choir and guitar in Boston with Mark David Buckles (9/6).
A Latin American program in honor Hispanic Heritage Month in Hingham, including 2 premieres by Carlos Mauro (Colombia) and Luis Obregon (Mexico) (9/10).
Revolutions in Music, multiple premieres for Cape Cod including Cloud Lacrymae for guitar & electronics by Douglas Knehans (9/13).
Composing for Guitar at Boston University (9/16)
Words and Music with poet Charles Coe, presented by Convergence Ensemble (9/28).
An afternoon of New Lullabies at King’s Chapel (9/30)
October
Debut with the Newport Classical music festival in all-ages New Lullaby Project program (pajamas welcome, milk & cookies to be served alongside contemporary music). New Lullaby Project premiere #79 by Jinhee Han (Korea). (10/12)
A few days in Portland, Oregon
Music in Life, A Life in Music – Talk on my career in Music, Mu Phi Epsilon, Boston Alumni
December
Six Colorado concerts mark my debut with the choir Kantorei directed by Joel Rinsema as well as the world premiere of my composition ‘Cider Meditation’ for choir & guitar!!
A two-day residency for the Aspen School of Music schools program.
Boston, MA – March 8, 2024 – Now Musique presents an evening of transcendent musical exploration and distinctive musical premieres with acclaimed guitarist Aaron Larget-Caplan in “Plastic Dream Fugue.” The concert is Friday, March 29, 2024, at 7:30 PM at the historic First Church Boston, located at 66 Marlborough Street.
Larget-Caplan will perform a solo program featuring masterpieces from the 18th and 21st centuries, including a mash-up violin-organ-lute fugue by J.S. Bach, arranged by Larget-Caplan.
The concert will showcase music specially curated for Larget-Caplan’s award-winning New Lullaby Project by American composers Laurie Spiegel, John McDonald, Dean Rosenthal, and Ian Wiese, as well as Czech composer Štěpán Rak. The concert will include the world premieres of two New Lullaby Project compositions (n. 72 & 73) by Pasquale Tassone and Charles Turner. Lament by Mexican composer and Boston University alumnus Luis Obregon and a stellar multi-movement work by American composer and NEC alumnus Daniel Felsenfeld complete the program.
The New Lullaby Project, a cornerstone of Aaron Larget-Caplan’s artistic vision, represents a harmonious blend of tradition and innovation exploring the genre of the lullaby with over 70 compositions created for it, three albums, and two collections of scores. After all, who’s afraid of a lullaby?!
“We are delighted to present Plastic Dream Fugue, a concert that epitomizes Now Musique’s commitment to exploring the new and neglected in the world of music,” said Aaron Larget-Caplan, founder and director of Now Musique. “The composers featured are of exceptional talent and dedicated to pushing artistic boundaries and make this concert a must-see event for music lovers of all backgrounds.”
Tickets for Plastic Dream Fugue are available for $25 and can be reserved online at Eventbrite or purchased at the door. $5 discount for those in pajamas. Don’t miss this opportunity to experience the lovely lyrical lulling of the guitar in the enchanting space of First Church Boston.
About Now Musique:
Founded in 2019, Now Musique is dedicated to showcasing innovative and boundary-pushing musical experiences that challenge convention and inspire audiences. Through our curated concerts and events, we seek to explore the richness of musical diversity and celebrate the artistry of both established and emerging talents in the recital format. Committed to education through experience and working to tear down the elitist stereotype of classical music, Now Musique brings music to audiences without watering it down. The 22-23 season featured 5 concerts, 4 all-ages programs, a commission from composer Daniel Felsenfeld, and over 30 living composers.
I had the pleasure of traveling and sharing music February 28 to March 11 in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma and in multiple cities in Oregon.
In Oklahoma, I was hosted by Oklahoma City University faculty and good guy Matthew Denman. Over the couple of days, I gave a recital, taught some lessons, and had some pretty amazing traditional Thai food. I performed New Lullaby Project composer Jacob Mashak’s ‘Lulubye,’ and met multi-Grammy winning composer Kitt Wakeley.
The OCU students were fantastic, asking good questions and demonstrating the all important desire to improve and share music. Matt was an excellent host. Check out the Celedonio Romero Guitar Institute, for which he directs. I encourage students of all levels to take part in such a great guitar adventure.
Kitt Wakeley, Aaron, Matt Denman
Most of my events in Oregon were hosted by Peter and Yukiko Zisa who run the 501c3 CDZ Collegium Musica. This includes co-sponsoring my performances for the Corvallis Guitar Society, George Fox University in Newberg, and at the U&I Event Center in Tigard. They were excellent hosts who connected me with violinist Mary Rowell and made sure all the events came from a place of love for music of the guitar.
Go CDZ!
At George Fox University and U&I Event Center, I was joined by violinist Mary Rowell. We performed 4 movements of John Cage’s ‘Six Melodies,’ two movements of Piazzolla’s ‘Histoire du tango,’ and ‘Revirado’ (unruly) also by Piazzolla. A special extra was having luthiers Jeffrey Elliott and Gregory Miller in attendance, and my school classmate Ross Grogan made an appearance. Super special evening!
For All Classical Radio in Portland, I performed my arrangements of Tárrega’s ‘Capricho Árabe’ with hints of Barrios, as well as a a few pieces with Mary Rowell, including couple of Cage melodies and a two Piazzolla pieces. We performed in front of a live audience and had a blast!
My final concert of the tour was in Astoria, an area I have a long history with since my mother moved there when I was 18. I have performed in the city well over 20x and it was the first place I performed on radio. For this visit I performed in a gorgeous home overlooking the river. Jenny and Ray Lund with Ann Lederer were excellent hosts, and the audience was all I could wish for.
Check out the photo album below for more photos. IF you have photos from this tour that you’d like to share in a Gallery please email me directly.
I am grateful for the many people who have made this year so special. At times I felt like 2023 was a normal year of music making and collaboration, and then I would be reminded that our recent past is very much with us and that the world is very fragile.
I consider 2023 to be Adventure in Music year, and I think we have earned a bit of rest and a special cappuccino or affogato (see below) to commemorate the beauty that can exist in the world, if we so desire it.
Onward for a wonderful, safe, and healthy 2024, and thanks to all who have listened, enjoyed, and explored music with me in 2023!
Paul Revere Award for Graphic Excellence from The Music Publishers Association of the United States presented for Aaron’s arrangement of Bacchanale by John Cage, June 2023 (info)
Cultural Grant from the Massachusetts Cultural Council for Now Musique, Feb. 2023
Best of 2023 by The Arts Fuse: God’s Time: Music of J.S. Bach on Guitar, Dec. 2023 (info)
Last week, I performed on Bargemusic and gave masterclasses at Hunter College and Juilliard Preparatory Division. It was a wonderful few days meeting friends, sharing music, and exploring the city.
It was my second solo program on the iconic Bargemusic, at the foot of the Brooklyn Bridge, and like the first time last April, it was a glorious experience! Multiple premieres and some of my favorite pieces!
Thank you Mark Peskanov and Theresa for having me back.
NOTABLES:
‘Tracing a wheel on water’ by Kevin Siegfried was written for me 20 years ago. This was the 2nd New York performance!
For 13 years New Lullabies written for my New Lullaby Project have been featured in 90% of my concerts. Tonight were two by Dennis Bathory-Kitsz and Stephanie Ann Boyd.
My own ‘slight nuance’ received its NY premiere. 3-million streams to date!
My arrangement of ‘Mystic Flute’ by Alan Hovhaness will be published later this year by Edition Peters Group.
The River Café makes a super smooth drink. Wear a jacket and visit.
I was the guest of João Luiz and Sarah Overholt for a masterclass with their students of Hunter College. A program of Brouwer, Castelnuovo-Tedesco, and Sor, the students Gabby, Kevin, Enrique and Vítor did a wonderful job!
Thank you to Mark Spicer, João, and Sarah for having me!
On October 7th, I had the pleasure of working with the students of Tali Roth at the Juilliard School. The young students played Marco Pereira and Agustín Barrios, and did a wonderful job!
BROOKLYN, NY — August 15, 2023 — Bargemusic, New York’s premier floating concert hall, is thrilled to announce the highly-anticipated return of guitarist and composer Aaron Larget-Caplan to its stage. On Friday, October 6, 2023, at 7:00 pm, Bargemusic will be transformed into a musical haven as Larget-Caplan presents his extraordinary solo program, “Dances, Dreams, and Legends.”
Larget-Caplan promises an enchanting evening of musical diversity, showcasing a fusion of cultures, emotions, and legends through the language of the guitar. The program, “Dances, Dreams, and Legends,” will feature an eclectic repertoire that includes dances from Brazil, Spain, and the United States, contemporary lullabies composed specifically for Larget-Caplan’s groundbreaking New Lullaby Project, and a monumental solo piece inspired by the captivating 13th-century Japanese legend of Hagoromo.
Lovers of classical and contemporary guitar music will be treated to compositions by Isaac Albéniz, J.S. Bach, Antonio Jobim, and Keigo Fujii. Additionally, the evening features the New York premieres of compositions by Alan Hovhaness, Stephanie Anne Boyd, Dennis Báthory-Kitsz, Kevin Siegfried, and Larget-Caplan.
Join us for an unforgettable evening of musical artistry as Aaron Larget-Caplan returns to Bargemusic to weave a captivating tapestry of melodies, rhythms, and legends through his guitar.
Larget-Caplan will be giving classes at Hunter College (10/4) and Juilliard Pre-College (10/6). More are being added.
*****
Photo by Tracey Yarad, April 2023
Event Details: Date and Time: Friday, October 6, 2023, at 7:00 pm Admission: $35
Aaron Larget-Caplan is an internationally acclaimed guitarist and composer known for his virtuosity and passion for expanding the boundaries of classical guitar music. His ten albums have earned over 5-million streams since 2021, and he has received numerous awards and accolades for his groundbreaking projects and performances, making him a prominent figure in the contemporary and classical music scene.
About Bargemusic:
Bargemusic, moored at the scenic Fulton Ferry Landing under the iconic Brooklyn Bridge, is a unique floating concert venue offering exceptional performances and breathtaking views of the Manhattan skyline. Renowned for its commitment to bringing world-class music to the heart of New York City.
LARGET-CAPLAN’S JOHN CAGE ARRANGEMENT WINS NATIONAL AWARD
The Music Publishers Association of the United States presented a Paul Revere Award for Graphic Excellence in June to Aaron Larget-Caplan for his arrangement of Bacchanale by John Cage, for two prepared guitars published by Edition Peters. The Bacchanale publication was issued in the fall of 2022 and won second prize in Music for Fretted Instruments category.
It is the third in a series of John Cage arrangements for guitar done by Larget-Caplan. The first ‘Six Melodies’ for violin and guitar from 2015 were followed by a collection of seven solos by Cage titled ‘Piano Music for Guitar’ in 2017. They are the first arrangements to receive permission from the Cage estate for publication, and have been widely acclaimed for their inventiveness, quality, and playability.
Larget-Caplan recorded all these compositions on his extensively praised album, ‘John. Cage. Guitar.’ It was issued by Stone Records (UK) in 2018. Classical Guitar Magazine said, “Aaron Larget-Caplan is fast becoming perhaps the greatest guitar advocate for the music of John Cage.”
Originally a solo work for prepared piano written in 1948 for dancer and choreographer Syvilla Fort, Bacchanale requires the performer to “prepare” the piano. Fort asked Cage for a work for percussion ensemble, but there was not enough room on stage, so Cage experimented by putting items in the piano itself like screws, bolts, washers and insulation. Bacchanale is the first of his works to do such preparations, and he would go to win a Guggenheim Fellowship and an Award from the National Academy of Arts and Letters for his invention of the prepared piano.
Established in 1964 in honor of the 200th anniversary of the first music engraving in America by the famous silversmith Paul Revere, Paul Revere Awards for Graphic Excellence were initially given as a means of alerting the music industry to the advantages of providing the best possible publication from the viewpoint of engraving, graphic arts and production standards. Today the awards still recognize outstanding examples of graphic design, with an emphasis on usability for orchestras, educators, libraries and individuals.
This is the second publication of Larget-Caplan’s to have received Paul Revere Awards for Graphic Excellence from the MPA. In 2021, Larget-Caplan’s Nights Transfigured, Volume 1 of the New Lullaby Project Anthology published in partnership with the American Composers Alliance won multiple awards: 1st prize for Guitar Music Notesetting, and 2nd prize for Book Design and Cover Design.
MUSIC FOR FRETTED INSTRUMENTS
1st Prize: Two Sides (Pierre Jalbert) Schott Music Corporation
Notesetter: Philip Rothman
Production Coordinator: Scott Wollschleger
2nd Prize: Bacchanale (John Cage, Arr. Aaron Larget-Caplan) Edition Peters USA
Notesetter: Aaron Larget-Caplan
Book Design: Héctor Colón
Production Coordinator: Owen Summers
My first collection of compositions, honey cadence, are officially published today and available worldwide!
Purchase the physical score through the ACA or on my Bandcamp page HERE. PDFs of the scores area also available HERE.
Based in NYC, the ACA is a nonprofit composer service organization dedicated to the publishing and promoting of American contemporary classical music through concerts, grants, collaborations, and recordings.
Founded in 1937 by Aaron Copland, I am humbled to join this historic organization with its powerful and inclusive vision, and to be affiliated with such a truly fantastic group of composers, a few of whom I am honored to have forged friendships with through music. Learn more about the ACA.
I was introduced to the organization in 2015 by Thomas L. Read. I have since had the pleasure of working as a performer, grant recipient, and curator with their fearless director Gina Genova.
In 2020 and 2021 the ACA co-published two volumes of scores by 30 composers from my New Lullaby Project in the anthologies: Nights Transfigured and Hushed. The first winning multiple Revere Publishing Awards.
The first collection of my own compositions: honey cadence – six meditations for guitar solo are available today! Gratitude to Simon Berry for his excellent work and patience in bringing this publication to life.
The collection, recorded on the honey cadencealbum has earned over 3-million streams since its release by Tiger Turn in April 2022.
At George Fox University and U&I Event Center, I was joined by violinist Mary Rowell. We performed 4 movements of John Cage’s ‘Six Melodies,’ two movements of Piazzolla’s ‘Histoire du tango,’ and ‘Revirado’ (unruly) also by Piazzolla. A special extra was having luthiers Jeffrey Elliott and Gregory Miller in attendance, and my school classmate Ross Grogan made an appearance. Super special evening!
My final concert of the tour was in Astoria, an area I have a long history with since my mother moved there when I was 18. I have performed in the city well over 20x and it was the first place I performed on radio. For this visit I performed in a gorgeous home overlooking the river. Jenny and Ray Lund with Ann Lederer were excellent hosts, and the audience was all I could wish for. 
