Composing the American Dream

Evening Music | May 6, 2010

Duke Ellington most certainly makes any short list of great American composers. So it was only natural that in 1970, the American Ballet Theatre commissioned the legendary composer and band leader to write the music for a new work choreographed by another American great, the formidable Alvin Ailey. Tonight we hear Ellington’s complete suite from the ballet “The River” as part of the 69th Annual American Music Festival.


Also Featured Tonight:

Aaron Copland / Concerto for Clarinet and String Orchestra, with Harp and Piano
Sufjan Stevens / The BQE: Part 3
John Zorn / Last Supper selections
Joanna Newsom / "Emily"
Christopher Tignor / Last Thought at Night

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