The Concord Orchestra, conducted by Music Director Zeke Fetrow, is thrilled to perform “American Heritage” concerts as part of the Concord250 celebration.  Performances are on Saturday, March 29 at 8:00 p.m. and Sunday, March 30 at 2:30 p.m. at the Performing Arts Center at 51 Walden.  We are excited to present a world premiere of A Beacon of Hope by Jeff Beal, commissioned by the orchestra for the celebration!  Jeff Beal, the composer of the new work, is an Emmy-winning composer of soundtracks for films and television.  

Other American compositions on the program are Florence Price’s brilliant Symphony No. 3, Leonard Bernstein’s festive Candide Overture, and The Liberty Bell March by John Phillip Sousa.

We look forward to performing with Richard Sebring, principal horn of the Boston Symphony Orchestra, playing Mozart’s Horn Concerto No. 3 and his own short work composed for the occasion, The White Cockade.  Richard Sebring remarks, “It’s always a great pleasure to make music with my friends in the Concord Orchestra, especially in 51 Walden, the site of many artistic experiences in my youth. And I look forward to collaborating with Zeke Fetrow, who will bring unbridled energy to these performances.”

Florence Price, a 1906 graduate of New England Conservatory, was the first African-American woman to be recognized as a symphonic composer. Her expressive Symphony No. 3 , written in 1938 and 1939, includes melodies inspired by spirituals and a dance called a juba that was brought to the southern United States by African slaves.  Its premiere was in 1940, but it was neglected until it was performed again in 2001.  It remained unpublished until 2008, and it was not until recently that it was re-discovered and played more frequently.

Dr. Sam Woodhead, trombone soloist of The U.S. Army Band “Pershing’s Own” Concert Band, will lead a workshop on Sousa performance for musicians in the orchestra.  Pre-concert discussions by Zeke Fetrow and other musicians involved in the performance are planned for Saturday at 7:00 p.m. and Sunday at 1:30 p.m. 

Tickets for adults and seniors are $25. Admission for youth under 18 is free. For tickets and information, call 978-369-4967 or visit www.concordorchestra.com.