We look back at last year’s opening night CSO performance at Ravinia. Marin Alsop, Chief Conductor of the Ravinia Festival, leads the CSO in a program celebrating American composers. Opening the program is Copland’s Suite from Appalachian Spring, followed by Johnson’s Charleston. Next, soloist Masabane Cecilia Rangwanasha joins in Barber’s Knoxville: Summer of 1915, Op. 24. Rounding out the program is Gershwin’s Rhapsody in Blue, featuring pianist Michelle Cann.
2024 Ravinia Festival Opening Night: Celebration of Americana
Masabane Cecilia Rangwanasha (Photo: Vera Elma Vacek)
Playlist
John Stafford Smith (arr. Stock): The Star-Spangled Banner
Aaron Copland: Suite from Appalachian Spring (full orchestra version)
James P. Johnson (orch. David Rimelis, arr. Nicholas Hersh): Charleston
Samuel Barber: Knoxville: Summer of 1915, Op. 24
Masabane Cecilia Rangwanasha, soprano
George Gershwin (orch. Grofé): Rhapsody in Blue
James P. Johnson (ed. and arr. Nicholas Hersh): Victory Stride (encore)
Michelle Cann, piano; Marin Alsop, conductor
July 2024
Charles Ives (arr. Schuman): Variations on America
Morton Gould, conductor
1966 (RCA)
Morton Gould: Spirituals for Orchestra
Morton Gould conductor
1965 (RCA
Smith (arr. Stock)
