The Birth of American Classical Music: Dvořák, Gershwin & Copland
Thursday, Mar. 12 · 7 pm - 9 pm Longmont Museum 400 Quail Rd., Longmont, CO 80501
Featuring the Longmont Symphony Orchestra.
Antonín Dvořák’s American Quartet (1893) inspired American composers to create music that reflected their own culture. George Gershwin’s “Lullaby” (1919) represents one of the earliest attempts, while Aaron Copland’s “Appalachian Spring” stands as a quintessential expression of the country’s simplicity and optimism (1944).
This program is part of our Thursday Nights @ the Museum series. Join us every Thursday from Jan. 22 until May 7 for concerts, films, and free talks in the Longmont Museum’s Stewart Auditorium.
The Longmont Symphony Orchestra (LSO) was founded in 1966 by Phil Mattoon, and conductors, Leo Meyer and Walter Birkedahl. The first concert was held in April 1966. In 1970, Leo Meyer became the conductor and served in that position for twelve seasons. After his retirement in 1983, Dr. Robert Olson, was selected as Music Director of the LSO. After 34 years, Dr. Olson announced his retirement, and he has been named LSO Conductor Emeritus. Elliot Moore was selected as the LSO’s new music director commencing July 1, 2017. During its first full season (1966-1967), the symphony presented four concerts. The LSO now presents 15 performances per year (7 Mainstage concerts at Vance Brand Civic Auditorium; 2 free July 4th concerts; a Holiday performance; two full performances of The Nutcracker with the Boulder Ballet, plus a shortened Gentle Nutcracker for individuals with special needs and their families; and a pair of concerts for all St. Vrain Valley School District 5th graders), and has an active education and outreach program.
