Mezzo-soprano Chrystal E. Williams, accordionist Felipe Hostins, and conductor Rei Hotoda appeared with the American Composers Orchestra. (Photos by Jennifer Taylor)

“Williams’ voice is powerful, with a wide expressive range. She also has a dignified stage presence that didn’t falter even when the hem of her diaphanous black cape became stuck under Hotoda’s heel as she passed the podium, trapping her for a good 20 seconds until she (gracefully) got the conductor’s attention.”

Anne E. Johnson, Classical Voice North America