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In two weeks, the Williamsport Symphony Orchestra will open its 60th Anniversary Season with a stirring celebration of America's 250th birthday through the music of some of the nation's most iconic composers. Led by Maestro Gerardo Edelstein, the WSO will present "Voices of America: A 250th Celebration" at 7:30 p.m. on Oct. 20 at the Journey Bank Community Arts Center.
"This inspiring opening concert celebrates America's 250th birthday and six decades of bringing extraordinary live music to our community," the WSO said in a release. "From sparkling energy to quiet beauty and a triumphant finish, the evening brings together four distinctive American voices."
The program begins with the energetic wit of Leonard Bernstein's "Candide Overture," followed by Samuel Barber's deeply moving "Adagio for Strings." The audience will then experience the expressiveness of Florence Price's Violin Concerto No. 2, a work filled with lyricism, warmth, and rich musical storytelling. The evening will conclude with Aaron Copland's majestic Symphony No. 3, featuring the beloved "Fanfare for the Common Man," filling the hall with the power of the full orchestra.
One of the WSO's own will take center stage during the performance of Price's Violin Concerto No. 2. Known for his vibrant stage presence and performances across four continents, Mark Minnich brings both technical brilliance and a spirit of musical adventure to the violin. This show offers a chance to hear the WSO's concertmaster in the spotlight, performing a concerto with a remarkable story: Price never heard it performed during her lifetime, and its manuscript was rediscovered decades later among works once thought lost.
For Edelstein, this program captures the optimism, imagination, and expressive range of American music. He said they are works that "challenge us, move us, and remind us of the extraordinary range of what an orchestra can express."
Along with the performance on Oct. 20, the Williamsport Symphony Orchestra's 60th Anniversary Season will include four other shows. On Dec. 11, the WSO will present its "Season of Joy" holiday show. It will continue its season on Feb. 9 with Mahler Symphony No. 9. On March 23, the Symphony will perform a show entitled "WSO at 60: Musicians' Celebration." The season will conclude with "Orchestral Fireworks' on May 18.
"For 60 years, this community has helped make the music possible.," said the release. "Come celebrate with us -- and hear what the next chapter sounds like."
The Journey Bank Community Arts Center is located at 220 West Fourth St. For more information or tickets, call 570-326-2424 or visit www.williamsportsymphony.org.