Plainfield Symphony Orchestra – 107th Season Opening Concert- “Celebrating America’s Songbook”
Contact: Mark Miller (908-561-5140)
Website: www.plainfieldsymphony.org
The Plainfield Symphony continues the country’s 250th anniversary celebrations with our opening concert of the season, “Celebrating America’s Songbook,” on November 21 at 7 PM. Maestro Charles Prince and ever-popular returning tenor soloist, Brian Cheney will treat our audience to some of the most popular and iconic 20th century American composers and their works from Broadway, film, opera, ballet and popular song.
The first half of the program will feature two works by Leonard Bernstein, West Side Story – Selections for Orchestra (Arr. Jack Mason) and the song “Lucky to be Me” from the musical On the Town, sung by Brian Cheney. Memorable works by Rodgers and Hammerstein will include The Sound of Music Selection for Orchestra as well as the song “Some Enchanted Evening” from South Pacific, sung by Brian Cheney. Salute by Cole Porter is a fabulous tribute to the composer and songwriter in a captivating medley of tunes.
The massive hit of 1952, “Blue Tango” by Leroy Anderson, will open the second half of the program. Next up, Brian will sing George Gershwin’s iconic aria “Summertime” from Porgy and Bess, probably the most famous and successful American opera of the twentieth century. Aaron Copland was referred to by his peers and critics as the "Dean of American Music.” The ballad "Long Time Ago" is the third song in Set 1 of Aaron Copland's Old American Songs, a celebrated collection of folk and traditional song settings for voice and orchestra. “Prairie Night and Celebration” vignettes from the ballet, Billy the Kid and “Corral Nocturne” from the ballet, Rodeo will be performed. Mr. Cheney will sing the well-known song “Simple Gifts” from Copland’s ballet, Appalachian Spring. The program would not be complete without a nod to John Williams, one of the best known, awarded, and successful composers in US history. From the Star Wars Suite for Orchestra: “The Imperial March” (Darth Vader’s Theme), the “Throne Room” and Conclusion will finish the evening’s salute to American music.
“Hailed by KUSC Los Angeles as the ‘next great tenor,’ Brian Cheney, a protégé of legendary tenor Jerry Hadley, has gained international acclaim for his versatility as a true crossover artist.” He is equally at home in both Musical Theater and Classical genres. Brian has been a frequent return guest artist to the delight of both the Plainfield Symphony Orchestra and its audiences. So, please join us for the opening concert of the 107th season of the Plainfield Symphony and help us celebrate America.
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