Alexandra Gardner | Significant Others (10’)
Aaron Copland | Clarinet Concerto (18’)
Leonard Bernstein | Symphony No. 1 “Jeremiah” (25’)
Join Anthony McGill and Ashley Becker for an afternoon of American classics! From the jazzy stylings of Copland to the power of Bernstein, this will be an afternoon to remember. Gardner’s Significant Others is inspired by another giant personality in music: Leonard Bernstein. Gardner describes it as, “a party with a bittersweet streak running through it.” McGill is the Principal Clarinet of the New York Philharmonic, and an active voice for social justice. Becker rejoins the BSO in this collection of iconic works.
Powerful: Gardner says about Significant Others: “We all have many different types of relationships in our lives, through friends, family, and work situations. While those connections may seem very different on the outside, there are often similarities to be found in the nature of our interactions…The overall feeling is bright and joyful, with a clear sense of rhythm and pulse, but a bittersweet streak can be heard as well.”
Beautiful: "Ashley Becker [...] brought a lovely, fully supported sound and thoughtful, nuanced phrasing to the role" ~ A. Kozinn, The New York Times
Inspiring: Not only the Principal Clarinetist of the New York Philharmonic, Anthony McGill performed at Barack Obama's 2009 inauguration with Yo-Yo Ma, Itzhak Perlman, and Gabriela Montero.
In a letter to Bernstein, Aaron Copland offered his candid assessment of the symphony: “It’s the best thing of yours I’ve seen so far—more consistent in style and more grown-up in many ways. I like best the beginning and the end.”
The world premiere of Copland’s Clarinet Concerto was November 6, 1950, in a broadcast by the NBC Symphony, Fritz Reiner conducting, and Benny Goodman soloing. The New York Philharmonic premier was June 19, 1969, at the Garden State Arts Center in Holmdel, New Jersey, with the composer conducting and Benny Goodman soloing.
Benny Goodman said in an interview, "I always felt good about that commission and about playing the Concerto with Aaron conducting."
Copland’s Concerto was later choreographed by Jerome Robbins for the ballet Pied Piper.
As the Seattle Symphony’s 2017-2018 Composer in Residence, Gardner also led a community composition project for youth experiencing homelessness and taught local high school composers.
WATCH: Benny Goodman and the premiere performance of Copland's Clarinet Concerto in 1950
READ: A Listener's Guide to the Copland Clarinet Concerto by Mitchell Estrin
WATCH: Here's How Anthony McGill Became The First African American Principal Of The New York Philharmonic
READ: Seattle Symphony's Composer Alexandra Gardner, Igniting Joy Through Music
WATCH: The Met with Anthony McGill and the Catalyst Quartet performing Cadence: The Sounds of Justice, the Sounds of a Movement
READ: Learn more about soloists Anthony McGill and Ashley Becker as well as composer Alexandra Gardner
Experience LIVE Music - there's nothing like it!
Dr. Ryan Dudenbostel’s engaging and informative Pre-Concert Lecture will take place at 2:15PM in the Walton Theatre. Doors open at 2PM and seating is limited, so please plan accordingly.
Check out our BSO Health & Safety Guidelines and Concert FAQs to find out more about how we are working to keep you safe while sharing the joy of LIVE music.
Tickets: $15 to $49
*All programs subject to change
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