BROOKINGS, S.D. — Aug. 20, 2026 — South Dakota State University’s School of Performing Arts presents Anna DeGraff, lecturer of music, in a faculty recital at 7:30 p.m. Monday, Aug. 31, in Founders Recital Hall at the Oscar Larson Performing Arts Center.
The recital, titled “Art Song,” features the work of living composers Libby Larsen and Ashi Day. Larsen’s songs are based on the life and work of Victorian-era New England painter Mary Cassatt, widely known as one of the “three great ladies” of impressionism. Day’s songs are based on the writings and paintings of Norwegian artist Edvard Munch, known for his iconic painting, “The Scream.”
DeGraff will be joined by faculty collaborators Mark Stevens (piano), Bradley Snyder (trombone), Casey Paradies (narration) and Corey Shelsta (lighting and projection).
The recital is free, and the public is invited to attend.
About South Dakota State University
Founded in 1881, South Dakota State University is the state’s Morrill Act land-grant institution as well as its largest, most comprehensive school of higher education. SDSU confers degrees from seven different colleges representing more than 230 majors, minors and specializations. The institution also offers 39 master’s degree programs, 17 Ph.D. and two professional programs.
The work of the university is carried out on a residential campus in Brookings, at sites in Sioux Falls, Pierre and Rapid City, and through Extension offices and Agricultural Experiment Station research sites across the state. SDSU’s research expenditures for the 2025 fiscal year were more than $94 million. SDSU has a Doctoral University: High Research Activity designation on The Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education.
For more information: SDSU News • www.sdstate.edu
— From SDSU University Marketing and Communications
