Aaron Copland did more than any other American musician to bring “serious concert music” to the masses.
Moved by what he encountered during the Great Depression, he began composing in what he called his “vernacular style,” producing such iconic works as Appalachian Spring, Rodeo, and Fanfare for the Common Man.
After his Leftist politics drew the wrath of Joseph McCarthy and Roy Cohn during the Red Scare of the 1950s, his A Lincoln Portrait had to be withdrawn from President Eisenhower’s inaugural concert.
This thoroughly outraged the musical community— the very idea that Aaron Copland’s music was “unAmerican” was ridiculous!
Followers of the chorus will remember when we sang arrangements of several of his Old American Songs. Here’s what the master said about the meaning of music:
"'Is there a meaning to music?' My answer would be, 'Yes.' And 'Can you state in so many words what the meaning is?' My answer to that would be, 'No.’”
Voices from our Chorus Andre Sean Gary-Mack on Feeling at Home in Harmony By June Kamerling
Holding the Light, Together Finding strength, joy, and connection as we prepare for spring By Ryan Justus, Baritone
Voices from our Chorus Meet Joseph, Jonathan, and Ryan: The Three Choreographers By June Kamerling
In Concert LGBTQ+ History Month By Ryan Justus
In Harmony Honoring Hispanic Heritage Month Through Music, Memory, and Community By Ryan Justus
Voices from our Chorus David Guerra on Sewing Costumes, Singing Truths, and Finding Family By June Kamerling
Voices from our Chorus Fred Rogers Reflects on His OaklandGMC Journey By June Kamerling
Conducting Change: A Chat with Bruce Southard, D.M.A.