WINSTON-SALEM, NC.- Reynolda House Museum of American Art will present "French Impressionisms," a program of French Impressionist music and poetry, on Sunday, March 22 at 3 p.m. The program is held in conjunction with the museum's current exhibition, "American Impressions: Selections from the National Academy," on view through June 28. Visitors attending the concert are invited to see the exhibition at its only venue outside New York. Admission is $8, $5 for members and students.

The word Impressionism often conjures up visions of the beautiful gardens and lily ponds of Monet, the tender family scenes of Renoir and Cassatt, or the dancers of Degas. American artists of the late 19th century studied under the French Impressionists in and around Paris, and upon their return to the United States, they created their own, uniquely American version of this art form.

The music and poetry of this time period also turned to Impressionism, and "French Impressionism s" will combine those two art forms and feature pianist Pamela Howland and translator Dick Schneider in a concert of French Impressionist music and poetry.

Howland will play the music of Claude Debussy and Maurice Ravel, including well-known works like "Claire de Lune" and lesser known works such as "Voiles" and "Dr. Gradus ad Parnassum." Schneider will read translations of the work of early Symbolist poet Arthur Rimbaud. Music and poetry will alternate, revealing a complex relationship and shedding light on each other.

Pam Howland is adjunct assistant professor of music at Wake Forest University. She trained at the Wisconsin Conservatory of Music and the Eastman School of Music, where she received the Doctor of Musical Arts degree in Piano Performance and Literature. She performs extensively as a soloist and chamber musician, educating as well as entertaining her audience with her enthusiasm and virtuosity.

Dick Schneider is professor of law with a love of languages. He holds a masters degree in Russian studies and is fluent in both Russian and French. Early in his career he practiced international law, and he has been able to apply his international expertise and love of the arts, literature, and culture with the courses he teaches at Wake Forest School of Law.