Review: ECHOES OF AMERICA at Kennedy Center

The National Symphony Orchestra (NSO) began their classical season this past Saturday evening in a very satisfying manner. The program was entitled Echoes of America and was conducted by the Artistic Director of The Washington Chorus Eugene Rogers.

The program began with Jessie Montgomery’s modern day approach to a national anthem entitled “Banner for solo string quartet and chamber Orchestra”. It took me a little bit to warm up to the dissonance of the composition but by the end I totally understood what Montgomery was going for in expressing the tone of divide in our country right now. The featured soloists were violinists Ricardo Cyncynates, and Marissa Regni and cellist Dave Handy.

Bass-Baritone Morris Robinson then took to the stage to perform Aaron Copland’s Old American Songs which consists of “Zion’s Walls”, “Simple Gifts”, and “At the River”. Robinson’s rich deep voice was totally pleasing but he did not manage to sing over the NSO. Most of the lyrics were unintelligible.

The NSO then followed that up with one of Copland’s best known works called “Suite from Billy the Kid”. It featured many soloists from multiple sections of the orchestra and was conducted expertly by Rogers.

The centerpiece of the evening was a co-commission between the NSO, and the Oakland Symphony entitled Here I Stand: Paul Robeson. This was the east coast premiere.

With a stirring and emotionally charged score by Carlos Simon and libretto by Dan Harder, Here I Stand: Paul Robeson tells the story of a very well known performer, activist and football player. It starts with Robeson on stage in Austria and follows him through his hearing at the House of Un- American Activities.

The Washington Chorus with Morris Robinson (mic on stand added for accoustical help) portraying Robeson sang this piece to audible perfection. The lyric “Change the words, Change the world” epitomizes Robeson’s philosophy as an activist. He never accepted and always pushed for more to better things.

Carlos Simon and Dan Harder’s piece deserves to be heard more to be sure. The message of the piece will resonate for many years to come, and I hope other orchestras and choruses give it it’s well deserved due.

Echoes of America proved again why YOUR National Symphony Orchestra is a musical treasure. The choice of music is always impeccable, and the musicianship can’t be beat. BRAVA to all involved in the 24/25 opener of what I know is going to be another stellar season.

Running Time: One hour and 40 minutes including an intermission.

Echoes of America was a one night only performance on September 14, 2024, at Kennedy Center’s Concert Hall.

Lead Photo- L-R Eugene Rogers, Morris Robinson, Jessie Montgomery, Carlos Simon.

Photo credits can be found within the review.