Americana '18
The idea for a year of American music in 2018 originated in a day-long celebration of the centenary of one of the iconic musical figured of the last century, Leonard Bernstein. The bewildering diversity of his activites as a pianist, conductor, composer, educator and huminitarian served as a reminder of the equally diverse influences that have inspired American composers over the last two hundred years or so.
Americana '18 tries to highlight some of the wonderful breadth of music, whilst of course recognising that even in a year we can't scratch the surface. Bernstein is rightly celebrated, as are his influences, teachers, mentors and contemporaries.
We also hear music by mavericks ranging from Cage and Harrison to Feldman and Cowell, and of course the great Charles Ives, whilst taking in Ragtime, Hollywood, Broadway, Minimalists, Neo-Romantics and the popular choral composers of today such as Eric Whitacre and Morten Lauridsen.
It promises to be a fascinating journey so please do come and join us!
David Wordsworth
Festival Curator