How the All American Celebration concert came together
Emily James & Chuck Stewart
Q: This concert celebrates America’s 250th anniversary—what does that theme mean to you?
A: When planning this concert, I wanted to present a variety of what America has to offer in terms of orchestral music. I programmed a balance of well-known, “master” American composers, with some living composers composing new works right now. It was important to me to present a program with diverse styles and composers to try to best demonstrate the foundation of the American ideal.
Q: How would you describe the “American sound” in music?
A: The beauty of the “American sound” is there isn’t just one “sound.” Just like when you look at our country, you see great diversity, you also hear that same diversity in the music American composers create. That being said, there are some elements that were either pioneered or heavily used by American composers that certainly could be argued as the “American sound.” Aaron Copland’s use of “open intervals” is one of the most instantly recognizable compositional techniques associated with the American sound. On the opposite end of the harmonic spectrum, the use of complex harmonies and progressions in jazz is possibly the most American sound there is, since jazz was born in America. Gershwin translated what others were doing so expertly in jazz to the orchestra. Jazz has greatly influenced the popular music we all know and love today.
Q: What do you hope the audience feels or takes away from this program?
A: I hope the audience sees the beautiful diversity there is in American music. There are at least two pieces that will likely be new to all of our audience members. While this can be intimidating, I believe the audience will find they really enjoy these new works.
American in Paris:
Q: What makes this piece iconic?
A: Gershwin is truly able to present the sounds of Paris through an American’s ears. He’s able to marry the elements of jazz he knows so well with the elements of French composers like Maurice Ravel. Additionally, this piece inspired the 1951 Best Picture Oscar winning film of the same name, which in turn inspired a 2015 Broadway musical adaptation.
Q: What should audiences listen for?
A: There are so many musical treats for the audience to listen for in this piece. In the middle of the work, Gershwin composed a wonderfully sensual melody that is first stated by the solo trumpet. Of course, one of the most fun and recognizable aspects of this piece is the use of the taxi horns! You won’t miss them!
Quiet City:
Q: This piece is more intimate, what makes it special?
A: Copland wrote many beautiful works, but this piece has to be one of the most beautiful and emotional works he composed. This has been one of my favorite pieces since I first heard it in high school. This performance is all the more special for me personally because I get to share the stage with my wife, Karen, and close friend, Jared, who will be playing the English horn and trumpet parts, respectively.
Q: How do the trumpet and English horn shape the emotion?
A: The major differences in timbre of the trumpet and English horn make for a beautiful conversation that expresses the raw emotion people and the environment they inhabit feel.
Come Sunday:
Q: Why did you choose this piece?
A: I came across this piece a few years ago and thoroughly enjoyed it. When putting together this program, I remembered this piece and felt like it would be a perfect piece to introduce our audiences to. The composer, Omar Thomas, is a prolific black American composer whose experiences growing up have greatly impacted his compositions. Ultimately, I knew I wanted this concert to be a celebration of American music, and I think the best way to describe Come Sunday is “it’s a party.”
Q: How does it reflect American musical identity
A: Omar Thomas has composed a piece in Come Sunday that celebrates the tradition of black worship music. Specifically, he is paying tribute to the Hammond organ’s role in black worship services. He uses inspiration from the American genres of blues, jazz, and R&B. This work showcases part of the American musical identity we don’t typically see in the classical concert hall setting, so this seemed like the perfect opportunity to let it shine.
Stars and Stripes:
Q: Why does this piece continue to resonate today?
A: When people think of American composers, at the top of the list is likely John Philip Sousa. This march just oozes “American patriotism;” so much so that in 1987, Congress designated it as our country’s National March.
A Light in the Ocean:
Q: Chris Pilsner is likely a new composer for the audience, can you introduce us to this piece?
A: Pilsner was inspired by nature and the life that it supports when writing this piece. His mind went to the underwater expanse of the ocean and all of the beauty it has to offer.
Q: Does this piece tell a story, or create a specific image in your mind?
A: Pilsner created a melody to represent the sea, and as it is developed, it creates a sense of waves building on each other. This piece is incredibly melodic and cinematic.
Q: What are you looking forward to most in working with the orchestra on this piece?
A: I’m looking forward to how good the orchestra is going to sound on this piece. It’s just pure beauty, and the orchestra will shine. I’m also excited because we will be collaborating with the dance company, Ballet Etudes, on this work. They will add beautiful choreography at the front of the stage while the orchestra plays.
Q: What made this combination of pieces feel right for this concert?
A: I think it all goes back to diversity and variety. This program truly provides a snapshot of what this great country has to offer.
Q: What’s something in this program that you think audiences might miss if they’re not listening for it?
A: I don’t know if they’ll miss it, but they should be sure to listen for the taxi horns!
Q: What would you say to someone who’s never been to an orchestra concert before?
A: Welcome! We are glad you’re here. The concert hall is a place for everyone, and we hope you enjoy your experience. This program presents great variety and I’m certain there will be something for everyone. We hope to see you again at our next concert!
Q: Why should someone come to this concert?
A: There’s something for everyone on this program. Whether you’re a seasoned concert goer, or it’s your first time, this is the perfect concert for you. We’ll take you through almost every emotion, and you’ll leave with a feeling of pure joy.