The Brockport Symphony Orchestra will celebrate the spirit of American music at their Americana Concert on Friday, October 21 at 7:30 p.m. in the historic sanctuary at St. Luke’s Episcopal Church, 14 State Street in the Village of Brockport. Admission and parking are free, and donations to the orchestra with a portion for St. Luke’s and canned items for the Brockport Ecumenical Food Shelf will be gratefully accepted at the door.
Under the baton of music director Jonathan Allentoff, this concert will showcase the talents of guest vocal artist Mary Wojciechowski, as well as the impressive score restorations created by Brockport’s own Dr. William Hullfish.
Wojciechowski, a nationally acclaimed vocalist who has appeared as soloist in venues across the Northeast, will perform “Don’t Try to Steal the Sweetheart of a Soldier” by Gus Van, Joe Schenck and Alfred Bryan and “Down by the Erie Canal” by George M. Cohan. A founding member of the American Society of Composers, Authors & Publishers, Cohan was inspired by the Erie Canal and wrote about its influence on Broadway musicals.
Hullfish, professor emeritus and Smithsonian Gold Medal Artist, has restored two works from the composers’ manuscripts that will be premiered at this performance. The first work, “General Mix-Up, USA” by Thomas Allen, highlights a wide variety of well-known patriotic tunes. Hullfish will give a special introduction on this work and share his insights on Allen’s unique contributions to American music. The second work, “Village Festival” by Stephen Foster, is a nineteenth century symphonic masterpiece in five movements filled with soaring melodies and lively dances.
The program also includes “To a Wild Rose” by Edward MacDowell, “Old Creole Days” by Ferde Grofe, and “The Star Spangled Banner.” Following the concert, there will be a dessert reception in Parish Hall celebrating Homecoming Weekend. For additional information, visit www.brockportsymphony.org.
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