The band’s third season features the music of the late Leonard Bernstein, recognizing his upcoming 100th birthday. Bernstein was an extraordinary figure in American music, as both a conductor and composer. The band joins musical organizations around the world in celebrating “Bernstein at 100” by including music by Bernstein at each concert this season. The fall concert will open the new season with Bernstein’s Overture to Candide.

Other music by innovative American composers to be performed includes Chester Overture by William Schuman (based on a Revolutionary War hymn by early American composer William Billings), Vincent Persichetti’s Divertimento for Band, Charles Ives’ Fugue in C, and the tone poem October by the contemporary composer Eric Whitacre. Band member Eon Cooper will perform as euphonium soloist in Night Song (Homage to Howard Hanson) by the contemporary American composer Ron Nelson. The concert will conclude with the band’s performance of Chorale and Shaker Dance by Minnesota composer John Zdechlik. This popular work features the familiar melody “Simple Gifts” (“The Gift to be Simple”), also used by composer Aaron Copland in the ballet Appalachian Spring.