Copland’s Rodeo

Reflecting a satirical comedy, Barber’s overture to The School for Scandal kicks off a night of contemporary American masterpieces, before moving into Korngold’s Violin Concerto, for which decorated violinist Blake Pouliot joins the Symphony. Korngold dedicated himself to film music through World War II, but the moment the war was over, he returned to composing for the concert hall. This shining gem of exceptional romantic writing for the violin reminded 20th century audiences that Korngold was a master in and out of the cinema. The performance closes with the inventive and lighthearted Entr’acte by Pulitzer Prize-winning composer Caroline Shaw and Copland’s energetic depiction of the American West, complete with cowboys, rodeos, and the open prairie in Rodeo.