Four composers, whose works defined America in the ‘30s and ‘40s, come together on one grand program: George Gershwin, Aaron Copland, Leonard Bernstein, and Duke Ellington.

San Jose Center for the Performing Arts, 255 Almaden Blvd, San Jose 95113

Saturday, April 2 at 8pm and Sunday, April 3 at  2:30pm

SINGLE TICKET PRICES: $55 – $115

BOX OFFICE: 408.286.2600 or www.symphonysanjose.org

Copland’s expansive, optimistic Appalachian Spring became known as “the quintessential American sound.” In fact, all four composers could stake that claim. Gershwin and Bernstein each gave us a brilliant mix of symphonic music, jazz and Broadway. And Duke Ellington’s stunning reflection on Black history from slavery to the Harlem Renaissance is considered one of the greatest examples of long-form jazz. Drawing on the blues, soaring gospel music, work songs, swing, and more, Ellington created an all-American orchestral masterpiece.

Conductor: Tito Muñoz

The Program:  

Aaron Copland: Appalachian Spring

George Gershwin: Cuban Overture

Leonard Bernstein: On the Town (Three Dances)

Duke Ellington: Black Brown & Beige