The Akron Symphony Orchestra invites music lovers to an unforgettable concert experience on Saturday, Nov. 16, at 7:30 p.m. at E.J. Thomas Performing Arts Hall. This captivating evening, titled The Lark Ascending & Schubert’s Fifth, will feature a richly varied program blending orchestral and choral works designed to uplift, inspire, and astonish. The concert is dedicated to Akron Public Schools Music Teachers, and all concertgoers are asked to join us in spreading appreciation for the cultivators of our future musicians.
Under the direction of Music Director Christopher Wilkins, the concert will open with Two Folk Songs by William Grant Still, which showcases the composer’s unique blend of traditional American folk elements with classical and jazz influences. Known as the “Dean of Afro-American Composers,” Still crafted music that resonated with the American experience and continues to inspire audiences today.
Following Two Folk Songs, the Akron Symphony Chorus will join the orchestra for Fern Hill by the renowned American composer John Corigliano. This lush choral work, inspired by the famous Dylan Thomas poem, is a poignant reflection on the innocence and beauty of youth. Corigliano’s Fern Hill is praised for its lyricism and emotional depth, offering audiences a musical journey that captures the
essence of Thomas’s poetic words.
After intermission audiences will have the pleasure of hearing guest soloist and violinist Bethlehem Kelley take center stage for Ralph Vaughan Williams’s beloved piece —The Lark Ascending. This piece, celebrated worldwide as one of the most enchanting works in the violin repertoire, evokes the beauty and freedom of a skylark in flight above the English countryside. With Kelley’s expressive playing, audiences can expect a performance that captures the delicate grace and depth of Vaughan Williams’ pastoral masterpiece.
The evening concludes with Franz Schubert’s Symphony No. 5, a charming and buoyant work that highlights the composer’s gift for melody and classical clarity. Schubert composed this symphony in 1816 at the age of nineteen, drawing inspiration from Mozart’s symphonic style while infusing it with his own youthful exuberance. Symphony No. 5 is often described as a celebration of joy and simplicity, providing a perfect close to the program.
Ticket Information
Children under 18 and students with valid student IDs can now purchase tickets for just $7 each. Tickets are available through the Akron Symphony Orchestra’s website at akronsymphony.org, by calling 330-535-8131, or in person at E.J. Thomas Hall box office the week of the event. Single tickets and flex subscriptions are now available for purchase. Visit akronsymphony.org or call
330.535.8131 to secure your seats today. Those interested in purchasing four or more tickets be sure to ask about our Flex 4-Pack to save 20%.
For media inquiries, please contact: buckey@akronsymphony.org
For more information and to stay updated on Akron Symphony Orchestra’s latest news and events, visit akronsymphony.org
