Celebrating 250 Years

Andrew Grams conducts the Nashville Symphony Orchestra as it continues its celebration of 250 years since the founding of the United States of America, with a program of pieces from the American greats. Headlining the evening are thrilling performances George Gershwin's An American In Paris, one of the hallmark pieces of the American composer's repertoire, and Aaron Copland's Our Town, music composed for the 1940 drama film of the same name.

In An American In Paris Gershwin's signature, jazz-tinged playfulness is all across the piece, which inspired a 1951 movie of the same name. It was written after his visits to Paris around 1926, having initially traveled to study under Ravel and later returning having become firm friends with the composer. Copland's Our Town brings to life the feeling of a small town in 1930's America, a quiet celebration of the atmosphere of America his music helped to create during that era.