ABOUT THE EVENT

David Neely, conductor
Kumiko Sakamoto, violin

The University of Maryland Symphony Orchestra opens its 2023–24 season with an exciting program showcasing true americana in music. Featuring works by prominent American composers Samuel Barber, Amy Beach and Leonard Bernstein, this program demonstrates the thrill of American music.

Samuel Barber’s Violin Concerto exemplifies the composer’s melodic richness and expressive depth, with each movement exploring distinct moods and themes while maintaining a cohesive musical narrative. This piece will feature the 2023 UMSO Concerto Competition Winner, Kumiko Sakamoto, on violin.

Leonard Bernstein’s Symphonic Dances from West Side Story provides audiences a glimpse of the bustling upper west side of Manhattan in the 1950s, and tells the story of two gangs and the star-crossed love that is entwined in their rivalry.

Delightfully lighthearted, the light waltz of Amy Beach’s Bal Masqué draws inspiration from the festive atmosphere of a masquerade ball. The gentle lilt and flirtatious melodies of this single-movement orchestral work capture the essence and allure of the ballroom.

PROGRAM

Ives: The Unanswered Question 
Barber: Violin Concerto
Beach: Bal Masqué 
Bernstein: Symphonic Dances from West Side Story

ABOUT THE UMD SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA (UMSO)

Through its committed and polished performances under the baton of David Neely, UMSO is dedicated to the power of musical communication. In its repertoire, the orchestra explores the intersection between traditional symphonic masterworks and marginalized works from various eras, with many programs featuring composers of diverse backgrounds.