Augustana Symphony Orchestra: Spring Dances

The Augustana Symphony and Chamber Orchestra leap into spring with a dance-inspired program that opens and closes with classics: Johann Strauss II's rambunctious overture to his Viennese comic opera "Die Fledermaus," and Copland’s depiction of the American West through his suite from the ballet "Billy the Kid."

Program

Johann Strauss II, "Overture to Die Fledermaus"
Blanca Estrella, "Ballet Miniatura" (Chamber Orchestra)
Jose Pable Moncayo, "Huapango"
Ellen Taaffe Zwilich, "Upbeat"
Aaron Copland, "Suite from Billy the Kid"

Drawing on Baroque dance forms, Ellen Taaffe Zwilich’s "Upbeat" incorporates the melody from Johann Sebastian Bach’s "Partita in E Major for Solo Violin" into a modern, jazz-infused romp.

"Huapango," by Mexican composer José Pablo Moncayo brings this traditional folk dance style to life with joyful percussion, stylistic brass solos, and rhythmic hemiolas.

Finally, the Augustana Chamber Orchestra offers Blanca Estrella’s "Ballet Miniatura" for which she was awarded the 1965 National Prize for music in her native Venezuela.