The second festival concert is unified by some of the most famous American-born composers of the 20th century together with an overdue world-premiere by a rising compositional star in Iowa-native composer Michael Gilbertson. The concert title, quoting “the Boss” Bruce Springsteen, is meant to highlight a concert that moves on from Dvorak and features many composers who were first-generation Americans, born from immigrant parents in the early 20th century.

About the Premiere of “Gather” by Michael Gilbertson: Commissioned by a consortium of long-time supporters of Cedar Valley Chamber Music in honor of its 15th anniversary as an organization in 2019. Due to the pandemic the premiere of the piece was delayed to this festival season. Cedar Valley Chamber Music would specifically like to thank the following patrons for their underwriting of this work: Jo Capoccioni, EJ Gallagher, Anne and Greg Hoekstra, Martha Kroese, Kent and Barb Opheim, and Bill Witt and Karen Franczyk.

Program

Learn more about the composers on this program

Violinist Scott Yoo explores Copland and how he created the American Sound and here you can find a wonderful documentary put together by the San Francisco Symphony about Copland.

Going back in time to the year 1987 you can watch a 50th anniversary BBC documentary about the life of George Gershwin. in 2011 PBS and pianist Herbie Hancock produced this short tribute to Gershwin.

If have a few dollars to spare, this documentary about Samuel Barber is extremely well-produced.

A recent online interview (2021) with composer Michael Gilbertson talks about some of this works for string orchestra and gives insights into Gilbertson’s process and ideas about music.