Free pre-concert talk begins 45 minutes before each concert in Beckwith Recital hall with conductor Christopher Zimmerman and soloist Rebecca Davis

A CONCERT OF QUINTESSENTIALLY AMERICAN INSPIRATION AND EXHILARATION FEATURING…

A Juilliard-trained prodigy who suddenly decided, at the start of a brilliant career as a concert pianist and Juilliard teacher, to walk away from music and not touch a piano for more than twenty years… who later moved to Minnesota and re-ignited her international performing career. (Guest Soloist REBECCA DAVIS)

A superstar jazz musician and composer who taught himself music theory and orchestration in a few short months in order to compose a full-length piano concerto under deadline…which is today considered one of the greatest examples of jazz-influenced classical works. (Composer GEORGE GERSHWIN – CONCERTO IN F)

A Czech composer, celebrated throughout Europe, who traveled to America in 1892…where his fascination with the music of Native Americans and African American spirituals inspired him to compose a masterpiece that is still one of the most beloved symphonies of all time. (Composer ANTONIN DVORAK – NEW WORLD SYMPHONY)

A thrilling contemporary American piece that was yanked from the famous BBC Proms concert performances twice because of the unfortunate reflection of its title on current events – once because of the recent death of Princess Diana in a car crash, and once because of the September 11th terrorist attacks…the composer noted about that infamous title, "You know how it is when someone asks you to ride in a terrific sports car, and then you wish you hadn't?" (composer JOHN ADAMS – SHORT RIDE IN A FAST MACHINE)

The second concert in the Fargo-Moorhead Symphony’s Sanford Health Masterworks Concert Series is electrified by the American spirit, with pieces by two American composers (John Adams and George Gershwin) and one European who was inspired by his three years living in the United States from 1892-1895 (Antonin Dvořák).

Short Ride in a Fast Machine by John Adams

Piano Concerto in F by George Gershwin - featuring Rebecca Davis, piano

Symphony No. 9 “From the New World” by Antonin Dvořák

Adding to the total concert experience this year are colorful and dramatic lighting effects within the concert hall itself, designed and performed by the talented staff of Livewire Entertainment Media Services.

Wine, beer, and non-alcoholic beverages will be available for sale in the lobby before the concert and during intermission, courtesy of Ramada Plaza & Suites.

For more information about the Fargo-Moorhead Symphony: http://www.fmsymphony.org

For more information about pianist Rebecca Davis:  http://rebeccadavispianist.com/biography.html