Meridian Symphony Opens 250th Anniversary Season With Copland and Hanson
New Artistic Director Craig Purdy leads the orchestra's first official performance, featuring works by two American composers.
By Lucas Collins ·
The Meridian Symphony Orchestra will hold its first official concert under new Artistic Director Craig Purdy on Saturday at 7:30 p.m. The performance, titled "The American Spirit," celebrates the nation's 250th anniversary with a program focused exclusively on American composers.
Purdy, who took the helm of the ensemble recently, described the event as a homecoming. Many of the musicians in the orchestra are former students from his time at Boise State University. He said he looks forward to working with them again in this new capacity.
The program features two major works. Aaron Copland's "An Outdoor Overture and A Lincoln Portrait" will bring excerpts from Abraham Lincoln's speeches to the stage. These include passages from the Gettysburg Address and his 1862 annual message to Congress. The second major piece is Howard Hanson's Symphony Number 2.
Purdy noted a personal connection to the Hanson symphony. He played the work under the direct instruction of the composer during his own school days. He called the performance a touching moment and a special contribution to the Treasure Valley region.
Bill Kloppenburg, a performer and assistant principal at South Junior High School, expressed enthusiasm for the lineup. He described the experience as a true celebration of American music. Kloppenburg said the music creates a vivid portrait of the president.
The concert will take place at South Junior High School in Meridian. Ticket information is available on the Meridian Symphony Orchestra website.
