Cicadas and classical music – it doesn’t get much better than that. On Saturday, September 15, Orchestra Iowa presents Brucemorchestra XI “The American Rhapsody.”
Maestro Timothy Hankewich speaks to how the event is special to the orchestra because it is a “symbol of their survival.” Ten years ago, the Floods of 2008 severely damaged the orchestra’s prime venue at the Paramount Theatre. Orchestra Iowa had prepared Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony to kick off their 2008-2009 season, but struggled to find a place to hold the large number of personnel and the large audience the performance would bring. The lawn at Brucemore mansion was just what they needed. Thus, Brucemorchestra was born, and ten years later, it’s as big as ever.
“The American Rhapsody” features classics from Gershwin, Bernstein, and others from Classen and Grofé, in addition to the Star Spangled Banner. Dr. Réne Lecuona, piano professor at the University of Iowa is featured on piano throughout the show.
A graduate of the Eastman School of Music, Dr. Réne Lecuona is highly regarded for not only her performance accomplishments, but also her teaching abilities. She has performed throughout South America, Mexico, the Caribbean, the United States, and Carnegie Hall. Her students have received admission to and scholarships from institutions such as New England Conservatory, the Manhattan School of Music, the Eastman School of Music, and Northwestern University.
Audience members are invited to bring a picnic and blankets to enjoy the show on the lawn of Brucemore.
PROGRAM
BERNSTEIN Symphonic Suite from On the Waterfront
GERSHWIN Rhapsody in Blue
GERSHWIN I Got Rhythm Variations
GROFÉ Grand Canyon Suite