Appalachian Spring (Canceled/Postponed)

IMPORTANT UPDATE:

We are taking seriously Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine’s suggestions regarding safety and public health, and are monitoring the ongoing COVID-19 virus situation very closely.

As a result of the decision by The University of Akron to postpone all large-scale and non-essential events, including those at E.J. Thomas Hall, and in accordance with the Governor’s request that large indoor gatherings be cancelled, the Akron Symphony Orchestra Appalachian Spring concert, scheduled for March 28, will not take place as scheduled.

A decision about whether to cancel this performance or postpone it to another date will be made as the community health situation continues to evolve. All current tickets will be honored should the concert be rescheduled. In the event of a cancellation, refund information will be sent at that time.

However, this is a rapidly evolving situation. Please continue to check your email and our website for any updates from us regarding this event. 

At this time, we are still planning to hold our May 16 concert.

If you have any questions, comments or concerns, please contact the Symphony Office at 330.535.8131.

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An all-American program opens with Joan Tower’s celebratory overture, which varies the melody of America the Beautiful in glorious ways. Delius’ Appalachia pays tribute to the people and landscape of Florida, where the composer lived as a young adult. To many Americans, Copland’s Appalachian Spring epitomizes the sound of the heartland, just as Bernstein’s On the Town embodies life in the big city.

Christopher Wilkins, conductor
Akron Symphony Appalachia Choir

DID YOU KNOW?
Joan Tower’s Made in America has been performed by more than 65 orchestras in all 50 states. (Source: New York Times)

Delius’ Appalachia was inspired by the composer’s experiences living in Florida as a young man. Along with Florida Suite, it is one of his two major choral works with an American setting. (Source: British Library)

Aaron Copland’s Appalachian Spring captures the essence of an ideal America, one of open fields and endless possibilities, and the Pulitzer Prize-winning score has become one of the most inspiring and symbolic works of the century. (Source: NPR)

Leonard Bernstein’s On the Town was considered very progressive when it premiered on Broadway in 1944 as it was the first musical that incorporated black and white characters performing alongside one another in equal roles, with a complete lack of racial stereotyping. (Source: classical-music.com)