Celebrate a Uniquely American Performance Weekend!

Aaron Copland's Suite from Billy the Kid, Howard Hanson's Symphony No. 2 (Romantic), and George Gershwin's Piano Concerto in F each capture a unique aspect of American identity, blending elements of tradition, innovation, and a sense of place, while collectively celebrating the diversity and dynamism of American classical music.

Copland's Suite from Billy the Kid draws on the imagery and folklore of the American West. Through its use of folk melodies and wide-open harmonies, Copland paints an evocative picture of frontier life, encapsulating the pioneering spirit that is deeply ingrained in American culture.

Hanson's Symphony No. 2 (Romantic) channels a sense of American optimism and grandeur. Composed in the early 20th century, Hanson's work reflects a lush, emotional style that pays homage to the Romantic tradition while asserting a uniquely American voice. The symphony’s expansive melodies and rich orchestration convey a sense of idealism and the vast possibilities of the American landscape.

Gershwin's Piano Concerto in F bridges classical music with jazz, a distinctly American genre. Gershwin’s incorporation of jazz idioms into a classical concerto form symbolizes the fusion of high art and popular culture, capturing the energy and innovation of early 20th-century America. The concerto's rhythmic vitality and melodic inventiveness reflect the bustling dynamism of urban life, particularly in Gershwin's native New York.

Together, these pieces offer a rich tapestry of American music. They explore themes of identity, tradition, and progress, presenting a musical journey that celebrates the American experience in its many forms. Through their varied yet interconnected narratives, these works invite us to reflect on the multifaceted nature of American music and its ability to capture the spirit of a nation.