La Serena or The Mermaid, is based on an old medieval Judaeo-Spanish ballad. The poetry of this ballad is written in an old Spanish dialect called Ladino. The ballad was often used as a lullaby due to its soothing words and quiet haunting melody. The composition was completed during the time of the Covid-19 pandemic, symbolized by the long quarantine. The concept of confinement is well reflected in the verses on the back page. I dedicate this composition to my friend and colleague, pianist Susan Grace, who premiered it at Colorado College in 2020.