Copland’s Appalachian Spring

Copland’s Appalachian Spring

College of Arts and Humanities | School of Music | The Clarice Smith Performing Arts Center Friday, October 8, 2021 8:00 pm - 10:00 pm The Clarice Smith Performing Arts Center, Dekelboum Concert Hall, or Livestream on Vimeo

UMD Symphony Orchestra

David Neely, conductor

Thalea String Quartet

Join us in-person at The Clarice or watch the livestream from the comfort of your home.

The UMD Symphony Orchestra makes a joyous return to the stage to perform the full orchestral suite of American composer Aaron Copland’s Appalachian Spring. Created for modern dancer Martha Graham, the original ballet version premiered at the Library of Congress in 1944. Copland then rearranged the work for full orchestra the following year. Appalachian Spring is beloved for its American folk melodies and dancing songs, most notably the Shaker tune "Simple Gifts."

Continuing the American theme, the orchestra will be joined by the School of Music’s Graduate String Fellowship Ensemble, Thalea String Quartet, to perform Banner by Jessie Montgomery. Written as a 200th anniversary tribute to The Star Spangled Banner, Montgomery used historical sources and patriotic songs to create an anthem fitting for the 21st century’s multicultural environment.

The concert will also include Giuseppe Verdi’s Overture to Nabucco and Joseph Bologne’s Symphony No. 1 in G Major.

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Program:

Giuseppe Verdi: Overture to Nabucco

Joseph Bologne: Symphony No. 1 in G 

Jessie Montgomery: Banner for string quartet and string orchestra 

Aaron Copland: Appalachian Spring (full orchestra version)

About the UMD Symphony Orchestra (UMSO):

Through its committed and polished performances under the baton of David Neely, UMSO is dedicated to the power of musical communication. In its repertoire, the orchestra explores the intersection between traditional symphonic masterworks and marginalized works from various eras, with many programs featuring composers of diverse backgrounds. Learn more about UMSO.

Health and Safety for In-Person Attendance:

There may be COVID-19 safety policies in place, such as mask requirements, when you attend this event. Please see The Clarice's health and safety page for the most up-to-date information about attendance.

Photo Credit: David Andrews