Reading Symphony honors Honest Abe with ‘Lincoln Portrait’
The Reading Symphony Orchestra presents “Lincoln Portrait: Images of Freedom” on Saturday, March 9, at 7:30 p.m. at the Santander Performing Arts Center.
The program pays tribute to the nation’s 16th president in a new way, as photochoreography by Westwater Arts accompanies the orchestral performance directed by Music Director Andrew Constantine. Pennsylvania State Sen. Judy Schwank, DBerks, will serve as narrator during the Lincoln Portrait performance.
The program also includes Vaughan Williams’ hymn-woven Symphony No. 5 in D Major, together with Interludes by Philip Glass, and George Butterworth’s The Banks of Green Willow.
“Abraham Lincoln was known as a gifted story- teller and talented orator. Now it’s our turn to tell the story of this man who faced such incredible opposition, yet still united a country,” said Constantine.
Concertgoers will experience the Civil War era from the points of view of America’s 16th president and others through music, pictures, and Abraham Lincoln quotes. During the concert, hundreds of Civil War-era images will be projected across a 440-squarefoot screen above the performers.
• George Butterworth — The Banks of Green Willow (1913)
An expression of rustic serenity that leads into mournful tones, this piece written during the build-up to World War I captures the feeling of normal life slipping into wartime.
• Philip Glass — Interlude No. 1 and Interlude No. 2 (1984)
• Copland — Lincoln Por- trait (1942)
A classical piece that matches quotes from Lincoln’s greatest speeches and letters with music, Lincoln Portrait is the centerpiece of the evening, showing the strength of resilience during trying times.
• Vaughan Williams — Symphony No. 5 in D Major (1943)
This ref lective, tranquil piece written during a time of bloody conflict brings back a pastoral feeling with themes from an unfinished opera the composer worked on for 30 years.
Tickets for “Lincoln Portrait: Images of Freedom” can be purchased at Ticketmaster, 610-3737557 or tickets@readingsymphony.org.
The concert is sponsored by M&T Bank. The Gertrude Sternbergh Fund of RMF is sponsoring the guest artist.