An American Soundscape

Distinctive jubilant inspirationalCopland Appalachian Spring
Christopher Tin Piano Concerto [UK premiere]
William Grant Still Festive Overture
Barber Agnus Dei
Bernstein Chichester PsalmsWe mark the 250th anniversary of the signing of the document of independence with an all American programme featuring some of the most famous American composers in history, from Copland, Barber and Bernstein to William Grant Still and Christopher Tin.Probably best known for his soundtracks to film, television and video games, Christopher Tin is a popular name in cinematic music today, and his Piano Concerto, written for and performed by Lara Downes, receives its UK premiere, only a week after its world premiere. William Grant Still’s Festive Overture gives a celebratory flavour to the evening, whilst Copland’s Appalachian Spring encapsulates dance and frontier spirit. BBC National Chorus of Wales step front and centre in Barber’s own vocal arrangement of the Adagio for Strings set to the words of the Agnus Dei, and the combined forces of Orchestra and Chorus resound in Bernstein’s boldly spiritual and exuberant Chichester Psalms. To conduct we welcome celebrated African American conductor Kellen Gray.