Across the Pond: Bath Symphony Orchestra feature American composers

Bath Symphony Orchestra is excited to present a wonderful programme of orchestral music exploring the musical connections between 20th Century New York and Paris in the works of American composers Bernstein, Copland and Gershwin. The latter two studied in Paris in the 1920s and Bernstein admired the novella Candide by Voltaire seeing it as a parallel with American society of the time. His scintillating overture Candide, is brimming with excitement and a popular concert favourite.

A wonderful synthesis of the classical concerto form with Jazz style and cheeky Charleston rhythms is shown in Gershwin's Piano Concerto in F and a smoky Blues trumpet solo also makes an appearance. Our soloist is Viv McLean who has performed with Bath Symphony Orchestra before, and is well known for his work with major orchestras at home and abroad. He is also a keen chamber musician and has recorded regularly for BBC Radio 3. We are delighted to welcome him once again.

Copland's Appalachian Spring was commissioned by the legendary choreographer Martha Graham who asked for a ballet with an American theme. It contains the much-loved Shaker tune, Simple Gifts.

Our concert concludes with Gershwin's An American in Paris. Come and picture the dancing of Gene Kelly, the bustling street scenes, blaring car horns and imbibe the French atmosphere conveyed in this light hearted work.