American Soul
Voices of a New World
April 11, 2027 - 3 PM
Moorings Presbyterian Church
Bold, Lyrical, Unmistakably American
American Soul: Voices of a New World explores the sound of America through music that is noble, deeply personal, and exuberantly alive. From Copland’s iconic call to unity and Barber’s emotional intensity to Gershwin’s vibrant portrait of Paris through American eyes, this concert captures a nation finding its voice.
Aaron Copland: Fanfare for the Common Man
Composed in 1942, Fanfare for the Common Man has become one of the most recognizable works in American music. With its open harmonies, powerful brass writing, and ceremonial pacing, Copland’s fanfare elevates the ordinary to the heroic. It is music that speaks not of conquest, but of collective strength and quiet resolve.
Duration: 3'
Samuel Barber: Violin Concerto, Op. 14
Completed in 1939, Barber’s Violin Concerto is a study in contrasts. The first two movements unfold with lyrical tenderness and emotional immediacy, while the final movement launches into a relentless moto perpetuo of dazzling brilliance. Deeply expressive, yet technically demanding, the concerto offers the soloist a powerful voice—one that speaks with both vulnerability and fire.
Duration: 25'
Intermission
Samuel Barber: Essay No. 2, Op. 17
One of a series of three orchestral “essays,” Barber’s Essay No. 2 unfolds as a single, continuous thought. Written in 1942, the work explores contrast and development within a concise framework, moving between agitation and lyric calm. Its clarity of form and emotional directness make it a powerful example of Barber’s distinctive American voice.
Duration: 10'
Ira Gershwin: – An American in Paris
Premiered in 1928, An American in Paris is Gershwin at his most vibrant and imaginative. Drawing on jazz rhythms, blues-inflected melodies, and bustling orchestral textures, the work paints a vivid picture of Parisian streets—complete with the unmistakable voice of taxi horns. It is music of movement and optimism, closing the season with energy, color, and unmistakable joy.
Duration: 16'
2027 Season Pass
You may purchase a standard Season Pass for $160, which includes admission to all concerts in the 2027 season. For those who wish to provide additional support to the Naples Community Orchestra, become a Gold ($1,000), Silver ($750), or Bronze ($500) Season Pass Donor, which combine full-season access with a tax-deductible contribution that helps sustain our musicians, performances, and future seasons.
Option #1:
For $160, you can enjoy all 4 concerts in 2027.
