Acclaimed classical pianist Lara Downes has delighted audiences around the world with her “breathtaking virtuosity" and "unique blend of musicianship and showmanship" (National Public Radio). Now, she embraces young listeners with her luminous new release Nocturnes for Night Owls: Classical Treasures for Sweet Dreams. This charming collection of beloved classical masterpieces and little-known gems features quiet-time music of timeless beauty that both children and their parents will love. Nocturnes for Night Owls includes Beethoven’s Moonlight Sonata, Schumann’s Dreaming, Erik Satie’s hypnotic Gymnopedie #3, Debussy’s Reverie, Ravel’s Pavane of the Sleeping Beauty, elegant Nocturnes by Chopin, Poulenc and Aaron Copland and more delightful music to lull little ones to sleep. "In my house, good music for bedtime is essential,” says Lara, a mother of two young children, based in Northern California, “As a mom, I am always searching for lovely new music to share with my own children and, as a musician, I love to discover new treasures to share with my audiences everywhere. These are gorgeous, night-time-inspired pieces that I have loved playing both at home and onstage over the years. I believe that children should have the chance to discover all the beautiful things the world has to offer them, including great music!” Coming from the heart of one of our generation’s most exceptional artists, Nocturnes for Night Owls is an affectionate gift for children everywhere. Steinway Concert Artist LARA DOWNES is one of the most exciting and communicative young pianists of today's generation. She has won over audiences at the world's most prestigious concert venues, from the Vienna Konzerthaus to Carnegie Hall. Her debut CD, Invitation to the Dance, was called “a magical little recording” by NPR, and her CD American Ballads was ranked by Amazon.com among the four best recordings of American music ever made. She is currently Artist in Residence at the Mondavi Center for the Performing Arts at UC Davis, where she is the host and co-curator of the Studio Classics series. Lara is Founder and President of the 88 KEYS® Foundation, a non-profit organization that fosters opportunities for music experiences and learning in America's public schools by providing pianos and music education programming in K-12 classrooms. Lara is also Founder and Artistic Director of the Rising Stars of California program, a statewide initiative that showcases California’s most gifted young musicians. www.laradownes.com