Four composers whose works defined America in the ‘30s and ‘40s come together in one grand program.

Copland’s expansive, optimistic Appalachian Spring became known as “the quintessential American sound.” Gershwin and Bernstein each give us a brilliant mix of symphonic music, jazz and Broadway.

The program closes with Duke Ellington’s stunning long-form jazz reflection on Black history from slavery to the Harlem Renaissance. Drawing on the blues, soaring gospel music, work songs, swing, and much more, Ellington created an all-American orchestral masterpiece.