An American Celebration with Fantasia Orchestra

This evening we are heading to the USA for a celebration of American composers. Works include Bernstein’s West Side Story overture from his 1957 smash Broadway hit, Gershwin’s iconic Rhapsody in Blue marking the 100th anniversary of its first performance and An American in Paris inspired by the sights and sounds of 1920s Paris. Overlooked until quite recently, African-American composer Florence Price’s Adoration, is a simple yet beautiful work of deep devotion and sincerity, and Ives’ Three Places in New England portrays scenes from the American War of Independence and Civil War. Seeger was a pioneering modernist and her mesmeric Andante for Strings, is one of her best-known works. ArtsDesk described Fantasia Orchestra’s performances, led by founder Tom Fetherstonhaugh, as ‘the most directly emotional music to be experienced live post-lockdown.’ Tonight’s soloist is Martin James Bartlett, who Nice Matin said ‘is not only a prodigy of the piano but an accomplished artist who counts among the greats of his generation’.