Uploaded July 2020 | Updated September 2026, 1 day ago
'I have chosen to pair "Charles Reiffel's painting "In the San Felipe Valley" with the evocative work "Chanson dans la nuit" or "Song of the Night" by Carlos Salzedo.
I've chosen to pair these two works because I feel that there is a similar scenic energy between them. There is clarity in the subject matter but also a sense of wonder about what lies in the shadows, or just around the bend. Although it is not a night image, nightfall is coming soon and there is magic in the air, something I love about the writing in "Chanson dans la nuit." Full of atmosphere and with the use of special effects on the harp, Salzedo brings out so many unusual colors on the instrument that one doesn't normally hear. There are moments of powerful boldness but also a sense of stillness and awe in both works. Both pieces remind me of the beauty and the vast landscape that we get to enjoy here on Earth.
Interestingly, they were both also created in the same year, 1927. '—Julie Smith Phillips, harp 🎵
Principal Harpist of the San Diego Symphony since 2007, Julie Smith Phillips is one of the most prominent young harpists today, performing as both an orchestral musician and concert artist.
Virtual SDMA+ Art of Elan is a series of short online experiences pairing The San Diego Museum of Art permanent collection with the thoughtfully curated music of Art of Elan. Building on the 13-year partnership between the two arts organizations, the video series features short musical responses to works of art that are meant to inspire and uplift the community. Art of Elan has chosen six prestigious musicians to kick off the series.
Virtual SDMA+ Art of Elan online concerts will be shared on Tuesdays at 6:00 p.m. PT on SDMA YouTube.
July 7 – Julie Smith Phillips, harp – In the San Felipe Valley by Charles Reiffel (1927)
July 21 – Keir GoGwilt, violin – Doors I by Claudia Fernández (1998, published 2001)
August 4 – Rose Lombardo, flute – Las Tres Virgenes Volcano at Sunset by Eliot Furness Porter (1966)
August 18 – Stephanie Richards, trumpet – Circle, Blue-Violet by DeWain Valentine (1978)
SDMArt.org/virtual-sdma-plus & ArtOfElan.org
Featured:
Carlos Salzedo's "Chanson dans la nuit," (1927) performed by Julie Smith Phillips, harp
Charles Reiffel. "In the San Felipe Valley," 1927. Oil on canvas. Purchased by the Fine Arts Society: Purchase Prize, 2nd Annual Southern California Exhibition. 1927.41.
'I have chosen to pair "Charles Reiffel's painting "In the San Felipe Valley" with the evocative work "Chanson dans la nuit" or "Song of the Night" by Carlos Salzedo.
I've chosen to pair these two works because I feel that there is a similar scenic energy between them. There is clarity in the subject matter but also a sense of wonder about what lies in the shadows, or just around the bend. Although it is not a night image, nightfall is coming soon and there is magic in the air, something I love about the writing in "Chanson dans la nuit." Full of atmosphere and with the use of special effects on the harp, Salzedo brings out so many unusual colors on the instrument that one doesn't normally hear. There are moments of powerful boldness but also a sense of stillness and awe in both works. Both pieces remind me of the beauty and the vast landscape that we get to enjoy here on Earth.
Interestingly, they were both also created in the same year, 1927. '—Julie Smith Phillips, harp 🎵
Principal Harpist of the San Diego Symphony since 2007, Julie Smith Phillips is one of the most prominent young harpists today, performing as both an orchestral musician and concert artist.
Virtual SDMA+ Art of Elan is a series of short online experiences pairing The San Diego Museum of Art permanent collection with the thoughtfully curated music of Art of Elan. Building on the 13-year partnership between the two arts organizations, the video series features short musical responses to works of art that are meant to inspire and uplift the community. Art of Elan has chosen six prestigious musicians to kick off the series.
Virtual SDMA+ Art of Elan online concerts will be shared on Tuesdays at 6:00 p.m. PT on SDMA YouTube.
July 7 – Julie Smith Phillips, harp – In the San Felipe Valley by Charles Reiffel (1927)
July 21 – Keir GoGwilt, violin – Doors I by Claudia Fernández (1998, published 2001)
August 4 – Rose Lombardo, flute – Las Tres Virgenes Volcano at Sunset by Eliot Furness Porter (1966)
August 18 – Stephanie Richards, trumpet – Circle, Blue-Violet by DeWain Valentine (1978)
SDMArt.org/virtual-sdma-plus & ArtOfElan.org
Featured:
Carlos Salzedo's "Chanson dans la nuit," (1927) performed by Julie Smith Phillips, harp
Charles Reiffel. "In the San Felipe Valley," 1927. Oil on canvas. Purchased by the Fine Arts Society: Purchase Prize, 2nd Annual Southern California Exhibition. 1927.41.
