Anthony Philip Heinrich is a little-known 19th-century American composer whose life is closely intertwined with that of John James Audubon, the famed artist and naturalist whose “Birds of America” defined American ornithology for a century. In fact, Heinrich is buried alongside Audubon in New York City. One was the "American Woodsman," the other the "Beethoven of America." Both led extremely colorful lives, and both drew inspiration from the wilderness and wild birds of the continent. Their work also has some parallels with the Hudson River School of artists. Learn about this unlikely and eccentric connection, with images provided by Audubon and music by Heinrich – including a world premiere!

Fred Baumgarten is director of foundation, government, and corporate relations at Sarah Lawrence College, where he has been for over 7 years. Previously he was at Bard College in a similar capacity. A lifelong birder, Fred was on the staff of the National Audubon Society for nearly 20 years, where he coordinated the national Important Bird Areas (IBA) Program. Growing up with classical music, he later became interested in the music of Heinrich and his connection to Audubon by serendipity, after hearing the strains of an unfamiliar symphony about birds.