The American Voice

Classic Series #1 

Barber – Overture to “The School for Scandal”

Copland – Lincoln Portrait

Narrator: Jordan Williams

Bernstein – Overture to “Candide”

Rachmaninov – Symphonic Dances

The symphony launches its 74th season with The American Voice, a stirring concert that celebrates the nation’s musical identity, patriotic spirit, and enduring ideals. From the optimism and energy of Samuel Barber and Leonard Bernstein to Aaron Copland’s powerful portrait of Abraham Lincoln, the program explores the many voices that have shaped American classical music. The evening concludes with Sergei Rachmaninoff’s sweeping Symphonic Dances, bringing a poignant reflection on home, memory, and the passage of time.

The American Voice is more than a season opener, it is a musical celebration of the ideas, people, dreams, and diverse voices that continue to define America. Join us for an inspiring evening of patriotic music, powerful storytelling, and unforgettable orchestral color as the symphony begins its 74th season.

Thank you to our generous concert sponsors:

• The Crenshaw Family
• Mr. and Mrs. Charles Heare