THE SPIRIT OF AMERICA

FEBRUARY 22 | 7:30 PM | UT TYLER COWAN CENTER

Richard Lee, conductor
Aaron Dworkin, narrator
Morton Gould:  American Salute
Robert Ray: He Never Failed Me

Richard Smallwood (orch. Goss): Total Praise

Antonín Dvořák:  Symphony No. 9, “From the New World”, mvt. 2
Aaron Dworkin:  The American Rhapsody
William Latham: Brighton Beach

Marie Douglas:  Big City Lights
arr. Morton Gould:  Battle Hymn of the Republic
Aaron Copland:  Lincoln Portrait

The unique spirit of our nation has been the source of inspiration for countless writers and composers through the years. ETSO brings two of those voices to the stage for a concert celebrating America in music. The words of American icons, Abraham Lincoln and George Washington, take center stage for two works: The speeches and writings of our 16th president give voice to Aaron Copland’s Lincoln Portrait. And Composer Aaron Dworkin has used the life and words of America’s first president, George Washington, as the source of his work The American Rhapsody.  Dworkin, himself, will serve as narrator for the ETSO performance.  The concert also features special appearances by vocal and instrumental ensembles from Texas College and Jarvis Christian University, performing with the ETSO.