American Composers Festival
Rockford Symphony Orchestra
March 4 – April 26, 2008
It was not until the early twentieth century that American composers such as Aaron Copeland, Duke Ellington and George Gershwin truly found their musical voice. The RSO’s two-month Festival will provide a unique exploration of the American musical traditions that continue to inspire composers. Audiences will experience the thrilling and moving works of several leaders who have brilliantly captured our American values and pioneering spirit by incorporating elements of Jazz, Bluegrass, and Folk music into their iconic orchestral compositions.
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Tuesday, March 4 – 7 - 8 p.m. at the Riverfront Museum Park Theater
Connecting Cultures: Copland, Ellington, and Gershwin; lecture discussion with Maestro Steven Larsen and Executive Director Brian Ritter
Free
Wednesday, March 5 – 11a.m. - noon Riverfront Museum Park Classroom 1
Introducing Aaron Copland, Home School Class for ages 8-12
$5 per child; pre-registration required
Friday, March 7 – noon - 1 p.m., Brio Restaurant
Sound Bites - RSO Lunchtime Series – featuring Zach De Pue, Nick Kendall, and Ranaan Meyer of Time for Three
Free, reservations requested
Saturday, March 8 – 7 - 9 p.m. at the Coronado Performing Arts Center
Rockford Health System Pops Series Concert: Time for Three Returns!
Ticket prices start at $17
Wednesday, March 19 – 4:15 - 6 p.m. Auburn High School Band Room
High School Jazz Clinic with members of the NIU Jazz Ensemble
Free; pre-registration required. For information call (815) 972-2939.
Wednesday, March 26 – 11 a.m. - noon Riverfront Museum Park Classroom 1
Introducing Duke Ellington, Home School Class for ages 8-12
$5 per child; pre-registration required
Friday, March 28 – noon - 1 p.m., Brio Restaurant
Sound Bites - RSO Lunchtime Series, features Ronald Carter, Director of Jazz Studies at NIU
Free; reservations requested
Saturday, March 29 – 7 - 9 p.m., Coronado Performing Arts Center
ComEd Classics Series concert; Breaking Barriers: The Legacy of Duke Ellington, featuring the NIU Jazz Ensemble, Ronald Carter, conductor
Pre-concert lecture begins at 6:00 p.m.
Tickets start at $15
Wednesday, April 16 - 11 a.m. - noon Riverfront Museum Park Classroom 1
Introducing George Gershwin, Home School Class for ages 8-12
$5 per child; pre-registration required
Friday, April 25 – noon - 1 p.m., Brio Restaurant
Sound Bites, RSO Lunchtime Series, features Jeffrey Biegel, piano
Free; reservations requested
Saturday, April 26 – 7 – 9 p.m. Coronado Performing Arts Center
ComEd Classics Series concert – Gershwin: Rhapsody in Blue
Pre-concert lecture begins at 6 p.m.
Tickets start at $15
Partial support for the American Composer’s Festival comes from the National Endowment for the Arts, The Illinois Arts Council, and the Rockford Area Arts Council. |
