American Style: Copland, Stephenson & Bernstein

Join us for an exploration of the American music tradition, featuring Appalachian Spring from the “Dean of American Composers” Aaron Copland. With its open and pioneering depiction of the American idyll, Appalachian Spring is beloved for its folk melodies, including the Shaker tune “Simple Gifts.” The program also features violinist Maria Ioudenitch for Leonard Bernstein’s Serenade (after Plato’s Symposium), and composer Jim Stephenson joins us from the stage to discuss his Second Symphony, “Voices,” written in memory of his mother.

Violinist Maria Ioudenitch replaces Elissa Lee Koljonen, who has withdrawn as soloist due to unforeseen personal circumstances.