The Kentucky Symphony Orchestra opens its 32nd Summer Series in the parks with “From Sea to Shining Sea” celebrating America’s landscapes and history through music Saturday in Devou Park.
Tipping its hat to the U.S. sestercentennial, KSO will open its July program with a unique presentation of the “Star-Spangled Banner.” Following the well-known first verse, a background interlude — “America” and “Give Me Your Tired, Your Poor” — continues over which a narration brings the history of Francis Scott Key’s poem to life, leading to the powerful final verse of our national anthem.
The program continues with selections from Hershey Kay’s ballet for Ballanchine and the NYC Ballet — Stars and Stripes, based on the music of John Philip Sousa. Ferde Grofe’s picturesque symphonic landscapes captured America’s geographical features in his Mississippi and Grand Canyon suites. Industrialized America was heard in a 1937 popular tune by the Raymond Scott quintet — “Powerhouse”, which went on to be used in many cartoons and assembly line music scenes.
Aaron Copland’s Old American Songs close out the first half, sung by Wright State University voice professor Alexander Kapp. Lyrics include a setting on the Ohio River, a warning about con artists, a reflection on an old love, simple gifts, and the accumulating a menagerie of animals, and a spouse.
The concert’s second half opens with Copland’s Fanfare for the Common Man followed by his Four Dance Episodes from Rodeo. Stephen Foster’s “My Old Kentucky Home” and Samuel Ward’s “America the Beautiful” accompanies the KSO’s All-Americana sunset.
“As opposed to simply a patriotic program, we thought we would wait a week, and celebrate America 250 with a focus on serene locations and history, and some great tunes you know,” said KSO Music Director James R. Cassidy.
Also don’t forget the on-going the KSO’s Summer Series $25k challenge grant (initiated by an anonymous donor), which matches donations made to the KSO through Labor Day, ensuring great music, family gatherings and shared memories continue for the next generation.
Join KSO for an evening of American history and tone paintings at 7:30 p.m., Saturday, July 11 at Covington’s Devou Park Band Shell; and 7:45 p.m. Sunday, July 12 at Ft. Thomas’s Tower Park Amphitheater Admission is free, but contributions ($5 per person) are suggested at the manned donation boxes. Register at www.kyso.org for KSO weather updates and for more information and directions.
Kentucky Symphony Orchestra