The Ascent Saturday October 18, 7pm Neumann Auditorium | Wartburg
Our All-American opener begins with American Salute, Morton Gould’s powerful tribute to the American spirit based on a Civil War tune. Soaring melodies by composer Alan Hovhaness transport us to majestic peaks in his Symphony No. 2, “Mysterious Mountain.” Neave Trio will make their debut with the WCS performing Paterson’s Summit.
The Sound of Christmas Past Saturday, December 13, 2 p.m. Neumann Auditorium | Wartburg A Christmas Carol, by British author Charles Dickens, quickly became an integral part of American Christmas traditions through readings and performances in homes, on stage, and in the media. Wartburg and Waverly residents join the orchestra in this uniquely local version of the seasonal classic.
The Tender Land: An Iowa Tribute Friday, Feb. 20, 7 p.m & Saturday, Feb. 21, 2 p.m. Neumann Auditorium | Wartburg Aaron Copland’s iconic Fanfare for the Common Man provides an uplifting anthem for America’s 250th birthday and a fitting introduction to the WCS-Opera Workshop production of Copland’s opera, The Tender Land. Copland’s work presents a stirring snapshot of Midwest farm life during the Great Depression.
Voices of the New World Saturday, April 18, 7 p.m. Neumann Auditorium | Wartburg
Leonard Bernstein’s vibrant Symphonic Dances from West Side Story captures the energy and passion of music and art woven into the American Tapestry. Antonin Dvořák pioneered the concept in his New World Symphony, which emerged from his experience as an immigrant thrown into a new world and new sounds— some of them in Iowa.