Performances & Events

Welcome to American Composers Orchestra’s 40th Birthday Concert and Gala! For 40 years, ACO has dedicated itself to the creation, performance, and celebration of American music. Not only does ACO honor our legacy, but we take pride in finding and nurturing the next generation of creative artists through work with emerging composers both here in New York at the Underwood New Music Readings and nationally through EarShot. Working with emerging composers - both in our pre-professional platforms and through our education programs in our city’s public schools - gives us an opportunity to help define what it means to be American in 2017, embracing gender, ethnic, national and stylistic diversity and realizing the notion of “American” in the most inclusive way possible. Tonight’s program encapsulates how ACO defines its mission. With music by our recently passed and beloved founder Francis Thorne and by composer - and founder of National Sawdust - Paola Prestini, we pay tribute to two of our special honorees who have made the community of contemporary American music so strong. Ellington and the American songbook are represented and tip our hat to founder Francis Thorne’s love for this music. With Leonard Bernstein’s sonata orchestrated for large ensemble, we note the exciting season of Bernstein@100, celebrations taking place all over the world. And of course, it would not be an ACO concert without an exciting, new voice like Elizabeth Ogonek’s. In addition to Francis and Paola, ACO honors the Leonard Bernstein family - Alexander, Nina and Jamie Bernstein. Through their work in music education and by keeping alive the flame of their father’s genius, this trio of fantastic siblings have contributed enormously to the musical life of our city, our country, and the world. Ellen and James S. Marcus are among the most active cultural philanthropists in the country, and ACO has been blessed to be among the beneficiaries of their passion for the arts. Finally, along with the presence of Dennis Russell Davies on the podium tonight, we celebrate our founders by honoring not only Francis Thorne but also the extraordinary musician Paul Lustig Dunkel, ACO's long time Associate Conductor, an original member and co-founder with Dennis and Francis. Thank you to all for what they do to make our work possible. Please join us for other concerts this coming season which include a collaboration with the PROTOTYPE festival in January when we co-present the NY Premiere of Fellow Travelers by composer Gregory Spears and librettist Greg Pierce; our annual appearances at Zankel Hall where we will celebrate Philip Glass’ 80th birthday and play music by two younger composers who have benefited from his mentorship as well as featuring jazz and world music champions writing for orchestra; and of course, our annual Underwood New Music Readings where we discover where the next generation will take us. ACO extends a heartfelt thank you to its dedicated board, staff and musicians; to our cherished patrons for tonight’s event for their generous support; to our honorees; and most importantly, to you, our audience. We are a community of active listeners, supporters, creators and performers who share a passion for American orchestral music. The renewing and inspiring circle of energy created by all parts of this community is what makes our work exciting, adventurous and joyful. ACO is hard at work on a new strategic plan that will help us face the future with determination, rigor and amazing music. Stay tuned for the next 40 years and have a great time tonight! With gratitude and warmest wishes, Derek Bermel/Artistic Director George Manahan/Music Director Frederick Wertheim, Chairman Ed Yim/President