The concert will open with prolific 19th century German composer Emilie Mayer’s melodically lush Symphony No. 7 in F minor. Then, take a musical stroll through Harlem, New York, and experience the vibrant energy of African American cultural touchstones in Carlos Simon’s The Block. The movements are inspired by the Romare Bearden paintings by the same name. Then, journey back in time to Russia with Alexander Borodin’s “Polovtsian Dances” from the opera Prince Igor.

The concert will open with prolific 19th century German composer Emilie Mayer’s melodically lush Symphony No. 7 in F minor. Then, take a musical stroll through Harlem, New York, and experience the vibrant energy of African American cultural touchstones in Carlos Simon’s The Block. The movements are inspired by the Romare Bearden paintings by the same name. Then, journey back in time to Russia with Alexander Borodin’s “Polovtsian Dances” from the opera Prince Igor.

The UMD Symphony Orchestra makes a joyous return to the stage to perform the full orchestral suite of American composer Aaron Copland’s Appalachian Spring. Created for modern dancer Martha Graham, the original ballet version premiered at the Library of Congress in 1944. Copland then rearranged the work for full orchestra the following year. Appalachian Spring is beloved for its American folk melodies and dancing songs, most notably the Shaker tune "Simple Gifts."

This evening of contemplative works will explore the variety of ways that outward impressions can influence inward feelings. First, experience the English seaside in Ruth Gipps’ Seascapes. Then, absorb Arnold Schoenberg's masterful Chamber Symphony Op. 9—the first work to distill a symphony into one movement. Don’t miss the performance of Kung Fu by award-winning Chinese composer Shuying Li. Commissioned by the UMD Wind Orchestra, Li captures the spirit of kung fu in three movements.