Pacific Symphony's 10th American Composers Festival Honors 'The Greatest Generation' 2/4 - 2/9

Press Release:

As The Great Recession of 2009 has resulted in unprecedented challenges for the nation, Pacific Symphony's 2010 American Composers Festival (ACF) takes on greater relevance and meaning as it explores "The Greatest Generation"—a look back at a time that was in large part defined by The Great Depression. The term "The Greatest Generation," coined by Tom Brokaw in his book by the same name, refers to those who grew up in the United States during this time of extreme deprivation and then went on to fight in World War II or contribute to the effort on the home front—eventually rebuilding America into a superpower. Historically, periods of adversity tend to inspire artists to great creativity. This year's festival, led by Music Director Carl St.Clair and featuring Brokaw in a video appearance, delves into the turbulent period of the 1930s and '40s and the music that could not have been composed without the somber impetus of The Great Depression.

"We've tried to create an atmosphere of honor and respect," says St.Clair. "During difficult times, it's comforting for me to remember that the backbone of our country was founded by honorable men and women who endured hardship. Their strength of character allowed them to overcome their troubles and through their will and dedication, they not only survived, but pulled through stronger, with courage and with distinction."

In addition to exploring works by composers influenced by the Depression and war, including Aaron Copland, Bernard Herrmann, Kurt Weill and Morton Gould—plus a commissioned work from one of today's most acclaimed composers, the Symphony's composer-in-residence, Michael Daugherty—the festival includes two ancillary events, one presented by California State University, Fullerton (CSUF) and the other by the Orange County High School of the Arts (OSCHA). Adding to the discussion are artistic advisor Joseph Horowitz and guest lecturer/historian George Stoney. The festival also includes severAl West Coast premieres.

Programs at a Glance…

"The Greatest Generation": While not the first of the events, "The Greatest Generation" is the core of this year's ACF. Taking place Thursday-Saturday, Feb. 4-6, in the Renée and Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall, St.Clair leads the orchestra and Pacific Chorale in Daugherty's world premiere, "Mount Rushmore" for Chorus and Orchestra, commissioned by Pacific Symphony. The concert opens with Copland's "Fanfare for The Common Man," while baritone Douglas Webster joins the Symphony for the West Coast premiere of the orchestrated version of Kurt Weill's "Walt Whitman Songs." The program also includes a special video appearance by Tom Brokaw; Gould's "Amber Waves" and Bernard Herrmann's "For the Fallen," with images from World War II and The Great Depression projected onto the giant screen; and a post-concert discussion. Tickets are $25-$105 ($20, student/senior rush); Veterans come free, with $20 tickets for their guests (advance registration required). Call (714) 755-5799 or visit www.pacificsymphony.org.

"The River": ACF officially kicks off with "The River," presented by OCHSA on Feb. 1, at 7:30 p.m., highlighted by a presentation of the classic 1936 government documentary, "The River"—a case for flood control that traces the history of the Great Plains and shows how abuse of the land led to the dust bowl—with Virgil Thomson's score performed live by the OCHSA orchestra, led by Chris Russell. The evening includes songs and hymns performed by students in the opera program. The evening also features lecturer/historian Stoney and three documentaries by Film and TV Conservatory students who are part of OCHSA's documentary course. The themes of the students' final projects include subjects from "The Greatest Generation." Tickets are $10; for more information or to purchase tickets, call OCHSA at (714) 564-3282.

"Into the Streets": The festival concludes on Tuesday, Feb. 9, 8 p.m., at UCSF's Meng Hall, with a concert hosted by Horowitz, featuring Symphony musicians—concertmaster Raymond Kobler, violinist Bridget Dolkas, principal violist Robert Becker, cellist Kevin Plunkett—baritone Douglas Webster and guest pianist Gloria Cheng. The diverse program includes film clips that accompany Arnold Schoenberg's "Ode to Napoleon" (1942), composed in response to Pearl Harbor; and a variety of music created in reaction to the times. These include Copland's 1939 worker's song "Into the Streets May First!"; excerpts from Rodgers and Hammerstein's uplifting musicals, "Oklahoma!" (1943) and "Carousel" (1945), and more music by Weill from the 1930s, including "Mack the Knife," "Song of the Inventory," "Buddy on the Nightshift," and "Schickelgruber"—sung by Webster and accompanied by Cheng. And Weill's "Ice Cream Sextet" is performed by CSUF singers and Cheng.

Commentary explores the radical response to the war and the "patriotic" response. The evening includes an OCHSA student documentary and a post-concert discussion. Tickets are $25, students and Symphony subscribers; $30, general; $5, CSUF music majors. To purchase tickets, call the Box Office: (657) 278-3371.

To purchase tickets, call the Box Office at (714) 755-5799 or visit www.pacificsymphony.org. For festival information and to share your opinion on the Symphony's new blog, visit: www.PacificSymphony.org/ACF.

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