Lakeview Orchestra ushers in the season with acclaimed works that weave a tapestry of dance-inspired music, each composed by an artist who cultivated their early inspirations in Paris. Under the baton of conductor Gregory Hughes, this promises to be an enthralling afternoon of musical storytelling featuring three iconic masterpieces: the original version of Aaron Copland's Appalachian Spring for 13 instruments, Igor Stravinsky's evocative Petrushka (1946/47 version), and the mesmerizing rhythms of Maurice Ravel's Boléro.

ARTISTS

Lakeview Orchestra
Gregory Hughes Conductor

PROGRAM

Aaron Copland Appalachian Spring (original version for 13 instruments)
Igor Stravinsky Petrushka (1946/47 version)
Maurice Ravel Boléro

WHAT’S INTERESTING ABOUT THIS CONCERT

• From 1921 -24, Copland studied with renowned composer and teacher Nadia Boulanger in Paris. His training with Boulanger played a role in shaping his unique American classical style, which can be heard in the incorporation of Shaker melodies into Appalachian Spring. The well-known Shaker tune Simple Gifts is prominently featured in the composition, serving as a recurring theme. The piece captures the sense of open landscapes and the resilience of the American people.

• Petrushka is considered one of the pioneering works of 20th-century music due to its revolutionary use of rhythm, harmony, and orchestration. Stravinsky's incorporation of irregular meters, shifting accents, and complex rhythmic patterns created a distinctive and dynamic sound world. Composed as a ballet score, Petrushka made its debut during the 1911 season of Ballets Russes in Paris.

• The insistent snare drum rhythm that underpins Ravel’s Bolero is inspired by the rhythm of the Spanish dance form called the seguidilla. Ravel became captivated by the Spanish culture during a trip to Spain, and this influence is evident in Boléro. The rhythm of the seguidilla serves as the foundation for the piece's hypnotic drive.