ESO explores the 'Simple Gifts' of Copland's 'Appalachian Spring'
Music Director Andrew Grams conducts the Elgin Symphony Orchestra in "Copland and Shostakovich" at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 30, and 2:30 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 31, at the Hemmens Cultural Center, 45 Symphony Way in Elgin.
The program illustrates the stark differences between American and Russian life in the early 20th century.
Aaron Copland's "Appalachian Spring," which won a Pulitzer Prize in music, is about the great promises for the future of America. He uses the Shaker folk song "Simple Gifts" as a basis for a theme and variations.
On the other side of the world, Shostakovich's Symphony No. 11 details the starkness of the 1905 Russian Revolution. His symphony was awarded the Lenin Prize.
Conductor Andrew Grams, named 2015 Illinois Conductor of the Year, explains, "This program contrasts the optimism and hope of the early 20th-century America with the pessimism and great struggle of Russia during the same period. Copland's 'Appalachian Spring,' written in 1944, tells the story of an American family building a life together - a story of hopes and dreams! In 1957, Shostakovich wrote his 11th symphony. This symphony depicts all of the things that led up to the Russian Revolution of 1905 … the struggle, the toil, the torment, and the bitter clashes between the people and the authorities.
"Both works are very cinematic and they almost conjure up movie images in your mind as you listen to them. In fact, after the Shostakovich symphony premiered, it became known as a 'film score without the film'," Grams said.
Tickets start at $30 and concertgoers are invited to attend "Musically Speaking" pre-concert chats one hour prior to the performance.
For tickets, contact the box office at (847) 888-4000 or visit ElginSymphony.org.
Grams became music director of the Elgin Symphony Orchestra in June 2013 after an international search. A graduate of the Julliard School and the Curtis Institute of Music, he has already appeared with many of the great orchestras of the world. He was assistant conductor for the Cleveland Orchestra for three years and holds degrees in violin performance and conducting. His charismatic conducting and easy accessibility have made him a favorite of Elgin Symphony audiences and he recently signed a five year contract through the 2020-21 ESO season.
The Elgin Symphony Orchestra, now in its 65th season, offers programming unmatched for an entertaining, informative and relaxing cultural experience. Patrons can enjoy a drink, time with friends and even shop in the lobby of the Hemmens Cultural Center. After Saturday night performances, the audience is invited to "Mingle with the Musicians" at the local restaurant, Elgin Public House. From start to finish, the ESO brings world class, big city entertainment without the hassles of the big city.