American Mavericks concert one of 2,000 events happening on six continents
HYANNIS, MA—April 24, 2018
The Cape Symphony will celebrate the birthdays of important musical American Mavericks, giants that revolutionized the very DNA of music, with its season finale on May 5 & 6. The concert will also be a part of the annual ArtWeek festival happening April 27 – May 6.
In honor of the 100th birthday of world-renowned composer Leonard Bernstein, American Mavericks will focus on the longtime New York Philharmonic music director and the first conductor to ever be featured in a series of television lectures on classical music.
“Bernstein made classical music accessible to everyone,” said Cape Symphony Artistic Director & Conductor Jung-Ho Pak. “His success crossed so many boundaries as a composer, conductor, musician, educator, and activist. He composed music of all kinds, but became a household name with his music for West Side Story.”
The American Mavericks concert is one of over 2,000 events on six continents taking place as part of “Leonard Bernstein at 100.” The two-year centennial celebration kicked off in September 2017 and continues through August 2019.
“Bernstein has always been an inspiration to me,” said Cape Symphony Artistic Director and Conductor Jung-Ho Pak. “We will perform his ‘Symphonic Dances from West Side Story’ and the playful ‘Divertimento’. Both pieces will be incredibly fun for us to perform and a magical experience to hear live.”
Included on the repertoire of American Mavericks are minimalist composers Philip Glass and John Adams, rebels against musical forms. Also included is William Banfield’s “Two American Portraits” – “If Bernstein Wrote It…” and “I’m Dizzy Over Miles.” Banfield is a contemporary African-American composer and Director of the Africana Studies Center at Berklee College of Music. He’s been commissioned by several orchestras to compose culturally rich works.
Special Feature of ArtWeek: Join the Cape Symphony for an open rehearsal of the American Mavericks concert on Friday, May 4th at 7:00 p.m. This is a rare behind-the-scenes look of the orchestra preparing for a concert and participants will also hear from Jung-Ho Pak about his preparation. The open rehearsal is free of charge and will be held at the Barnstable Performing Arts Center. Advanced registration is required at www.capesymphony.org/artweek-open-rehearsal.
The Cape Symphony is proud to take part in the annual ArtWeek festival and honor the incomparable Leonard Bernstein in American Mavericks on Saturday, May 5 at 7:30 p.m. & Sunday, May 6 at 3:00 p.m. at the Barnstable Performing Arts Center, 744 West Main Street. For more information or to purchase tickets visit capesymphony.org or call 508.362.1111.
Media Contact:
Jen Pitta, Public Relations Specialist
508-954-0160;
About Cape Symphony & Conservatory
Cape Cod’s very own orchestra, Cape Symphony, performs at the Barnstable Performing Arts Center in Hyannis. From popular hits to magnificent classics, highlighting hidden gems and putting a new twist on standards, the emphasis is always on fun, surprises, and beautiful music. Led by Artistic Director and Conductor Jung-Ho Pak, the Cape Symphony provides an experience like no other. Cape Conservatory’s commitment to education for all ages includes musical instruction as well as classes in dance and art at campuses in West Barnstable and Falmouth. Its Pre-School program is known for blending traditional academics with the arts. Through MusicWorks! Everyday and other community outreach programs, Cape Conservatory brings an array of engaging programs to thousands of students on the Cape and Islands. Cape Arts & Entertainment is the home of the Cape Symphony & Conservatory. Visit www.capesymphony.org and www.capeconservatory.org for more information.
