Pianist Maria Garcia first encountered Lūcija Garūta’s music during her time as All Classical Radio’s Artist in Residence, when she focused on works by women and Latin American composers. During this period, she performed two of Garūta’s Four Preludes on air.

Later, while exploring new repertoire, Garcia discovered Garūta’s Piano Concerto in F-sharp Minor, a work that immediately resonated with her through its emotional intensity and beauty. Her enthusiasm for the piece led to a collaboration with Maestro Steven Byess and Orchestra Nova Northwest, who shared her commitment to bringing the concerto to a wider audience.