WSO Presents 'Simple Gifts' Season Finale on Sunday

On Sunday, May 20 at 7 p.m. at the , Westfield Symphony Orchestra under the direction of Maestro David Wroe, presents SIMPLE GIFTS, a season finale concert of pioneering American themes, musical landscapes, spiritual journeys and supreme orchestral sounds. 

The concert presents works by Aaron Copland, including the emotional and awe-inspiring Appalachian Spring orchestral suite. Capturing the essence of an ideal America and with the iconic melody “Simple Gifts” at the pinnacle, Appalachian Spring is one of today’s most recognizable and beloved American orchestral works. The audience will also enjoy the opportunity to revel in the exuberant “Hoe-Down” from Copland’s Rodeo. 

The concert will open with another spiritual journey as Bergen County’s famed Pro Arte Chorale joins WSO to present Beethoven’s Mass in C, one more selfless musical gift that contains some of this composer’s most sublime work for voices. Aaron Copland’s catchy, memorable tunes, woven so masterfully into his symphonic music, continue to be synonymous with the American heartbeat.

What makes his music sound American? Attendees are invited to join musicologist Dr. Barbara Thomson before the concert at 6:15 p.m. as she uncovers the Shaker melodies, Copland’s colorful instrumental effects, and the stories behind the Pulitzer Prize-winning American masterpiece Appalachian Spring. 

This concert is made possible throught the generous support of the Joseph DeAlessandro Memorial Foundation and the NJ State Council on the Arts.

Tickets $25-$75. Special offer: students K-12 $12. For tickets and information go to www.westfieldsymphony.org or call 908 232 9400.