AMERICAN ORCHESTRAL MUSIC

Although we in the orchestra field mostly perform music of deceased European composers, we often also include music of American composers, both living and no longer with us.  This is the case for the LSO March 28th Concert.  Music of William Schuman and Peggy Stuart Coolidge may be unfamiliar to listeners.  Both were active in the 20th Century and wrote music based on historical events.  Schuman's New England Tryptich chronicles, in music, the Revolutionary War period, using themes of the great American composer William Billings.  Billings was a choir director in Boston and his music helped to urge citizens on to freedom from oppression.  It has a rugged character but is boldly expressive. Peggy Stuat Coolidge was one of the few American women writing orchestral music in the mid-20th Century who actually had her music performed and recorded.  Pioneer Dances tells the story of the  
early pioneers who trekked across the USA and landed in the Midwest.   
Her music reminds us of Copland and Gershwin and is tuneful and rhythmic.  Our feature work in this concert is the Indiana premiere of Quiet Heroes by Chris Brubeck.  Brubeck, both a jazz trombonist and composer, is the son of the legendary Dave Brubeck.  His broad canvas, Quiet Heroes, chronicles the raising of the flag at Iwo Jima and features the great American actor Wilfred Brimley.  It will be an exciting and inspiring evening!

Maestro Nick