Appalachian Spring

Featuring mezzo-soprano Jennifer Luiken Throughout history, countries have developed their own distinct musical styles, which become part of their national identity. Characteristic French elegance and subtlety are demonstrated in Danse by Claude Debussy (in a vibrant orchestration by Maurice Ravel), while the passion and intensity of the Spanish ethos radiates from Manuel de Falla’s ballet, El Amor Brujo (Love, the Magician). Cuban-American composer Tania León (a 2021 Pulitzer Prize winner and 2022 Kennedy Center honoree) incorporates the unique blend of cultures in her native country to create a distinctive voice that is the essence of her Para Viola y Orquesta, and quintessential American composer Aaron Copland forged a universally recognized national musical language, clearly evidenced in his ballet, Appalachian Spring (which includes the famous Shaker melody, “Simple Gifts”). Supporting Sponsor: South State Bank