https://my.bsomusic.org/overview/19607

PROGRAM

Marin Alsop, conductor

COPLAND Suite from Appalachian Spring
BRETT DEAN Fire Music (East Coast premiere)
BEETHOVEN Symphony No. 6, "Pastoral"

ABOUT

From tranquil fields and springs to turbulent storms and a raging bushfire, this program’s full impact can only be felt live. Copland’s Appalachian Spring radiates airy optimism, Beethoven’s "Pastoral" Symphony captures nature’s beauty and power, and Brett Dean’s Fire Music envelops the hall, depicting destruction and rebirth in surround sound.

• Aaron Copland's adored Appalachian Spring won the Pulitzer Prize in 1945, famously using well-loved melodies like "'Tis a gift to be simple."

• Ludwig von Beethoven's Sixth Symphony, "Pastoral," reflects the composer's own love for nature, which he once exclaimed was "a glorious school for the heart."

• Composer Brett Dean composed Fire Music in remembrance of the "Black Saturday" bush fires of 2009, which ravaged his native Australia. The piece explores themes of destruction and rebirth, and brings the musicians into the hall to be amongst the audience for a completely immersive experience.

• This is one of two programs that celebrate the 125th anniversary of Aaron Copland's birth in the 2025-26 season. The first featured Copland's Piano Concerto in January, 2026.

• This program is part of the EARTH | Songs Festival, which reflects on humanity's relationship with nature through music inspired by its beauty, power, and fragility. The festival's events include:

  • Reimagined: Vivaldi's Four Seasons (Popular Collection, Fusion Series: February 13–14)

  • The Rite of Spring (Classical Collection/Series: February 26–March 1)

  • Heyward Conducts Mahler (Classical Collection/Series: March 6–8)

  • Appalachian Spring & Beethoven 6 with Alsop (Classical Collection/Series: April 16–19)

Thursday, April 16, 2026 8:00PM, Music Center at Strathmore

Saturday, April 18, 2026 8:00PM, Joseph Meyerhoff Symphony Hall

Sunday, April 19, 2026 3:00PM, Joseph Meyerhoff Symphony Hall