West Michigan Symphony Season Finale
Commemorates 80th Anniversary of End of World War II
Concert features historic Fanfare for the Common Man by “Dean of American Composers”
Muskegon, MI — West Michigan Symphony’s final concert of the 85th Anniversary season will be framed with the most iconic piece by the most iconic American composer: the Fanfare for the Common Man by Aaron Copland. The concert opens with the Fanfare in its original stand-alone version for brass and percussion, and closes with its recapitulation during the final movement of Copland’s epic Symphony No. 3. Also on the program will be Sky, Michael Torke’s bluegrass-infused violin concerto, written for and performed by Tessa Lark. Conducted by Scott Speck, the performance takes place at 7:30p.m. Friday, May 30 in the Frauenthal Center, 425 W. Western Avenue in Muskegon. The concert is sponsored by Macatawa Bank and the Friends of Tessa Lark coalition of donors. Mike and Kay Olthoff are the 2024-2025 season sponsors; Blue Lake Public Radio the media sponsor. For tickets, starting at $19 for adults, $10 for students, visit westmichigansymphony.org or call 231.727.8001.
Fanfare for the Common Man was written in 1942, shortly after the U.S. entered World War II. The composer reflected, “It was the common man who was doing all the dirty work in the war and the army. He deserved a fanfare.” The epic 45-minute Symphony No. 3 was completed after the end of the War in 1945. “The Third Symphony is Copland’s greatest work and arguably the greatest American symphony ever written,” said CEO Andy Buelow. “It is not simply a triumphant commemoration, but a statement of unity and faith in humanity that remains as fresh and relevant today as ever.”
Premiered in 2019 by the Albany Symphony, the Sky concerto was performed on a WMS virtual concert in 2021 during the pandemic. “We are excited to welcome Tessa back for a live performance of this refreshing, brilliant concerto,” said Scott Speck. “Audiences will hear it in person, the way it was meant to be experienced.” Increasingly in demand in the classical realm, Tessa Lark is also a highly acclaimed fiddler in the tradition of her native Kentucky, delighting audiences with programming that includes Appalachian and bluegrass music. At 7:30pm on. Saturday, May 31, Tessa will present a solo program at The Block, WMS’s intimate live listening room, located at 360 W. Western Avenue. For tickets, starting at $34 for adults, $10 for students, visit westmichigansymphony.org or call 231.726.3231.
Audience members and the general public are invited to learn more at a free Lunch ‘n Learn, including complimentary lunch, at 12 noon Wednesday, May 28 in The Block. Sponsored by Embark Financial Partners, the event will be hosted by Music Director Scott Speck and includes Q & A and conversations with Tessa Lark. Advance reservations required, HERE.
Complimentary shuttle transport is available May 30, from the free parking lot at Muskegon Farmer’s Market to the door of the Frauenthal, and back again after the performance.
More Ways to Engage with West Michigan Symphony
This will be the last chance this season to participate in the “Try Symphony! Introductory Ticket” program. Participants essentially, buy-one ticket and get one ticket for free. To claim this offer, register on the symphony’s website HERE. Once registered, a WMS staff member will contact the participant to arrange for tickets. Offer expires the Wednesday prior to each concert date.
May 15 is the deadline for the “Audience Choice Concert.” To participate (and potentially win prizes and free tickets) visit the WMS website and vote for your favorite overture, piano concerto and symphony from a selection of choices. The top votes will be unveiled this May and performed on a Masterworks program next season. To learn more, click HERE.
Finally, the deadline for the first ever “Side-by-Side” program is June 6! The WMS welcomes any youth or adult who has a string, woodwind, brass instrument, or plays percussion, to join them for a day of rehearsing, learning, and performing under the direction of WMS Music Director Scott Speck. To learn more or register, click HERE.
About West Michigan Symphony
An anchor cultural organization headquartered in Muskegon celebrating its 85th Anniversary Season this year, West Michigan Symphony led by Music Director Scott Speck is a resident presenting group at the Frauenthal Center, where its eight-concert season is the most visible part of a larger artistic enterprise of far-reaching community benefit. WMS concerts and education events bring 16,500 people—more than 30% of whom are children and students—downtown annually, making it the largest performing arts organization on the West Shore.
Media:
If media is interested in attending and covering any of the above events, a limited number of media passes are available. Please contact Carla Flanders for more information. For Media Resources click HERE.
###
