by
Mel Fenson
Performing
before a wildly enthusiastic audience that filled every seat in Boulder’s
Chautauqua Auditorium and spilled into the lawn outside, the 2008 Colorado
Music Festival put on it’s annual Independence Day performance playing
an assortment of great pops selection's and paid tribute to America’s
Armed Forces with thrilling arrangements of patriotic songs. The orchestra
was directed by Scott O’Neil, who is the assistant conductor of the
Utah Symphony, and an associate conductor of the Colorado Symphony.
The program included music from Loewe/Gordon’s Brigadoon, selections
from Bernstein/Mason’s West Side Story, and Stravinsky’s
Berceuse and Finale from The Firebird Suite.
During the patriotic segment, the orchestra played Gould’s American
Salute, two Sousa marches - The Thunderer and Semper Fideles.
A poinant piece, William's Hymn to the Fallen brought a hush to the
audience, then Lowden’s Armed Forces Salute to the Army, the
Coast Guard, the Air Force and the Navy generated loud cheering and clapping
from the audience. Members of each branch of the military were asked to stand,
when their song was played. The audience then joined in to sing America
the Beautiful and the performance ended with a stirring arrangement of
Sousa’s Stars and Stripes.
Founded in 1976, the Colorado Music Festival is now under the direction of
Michael Christie, who was appointed Music Director in 2000. The festival performs
classical music during its summer season and attracts audiences of nearly
20,000 music lovers each season. The programming includes classical music,
world music and works of 20th century composers. The Colorado Music Festival,
now in its 31st summer season, brings together exceptional musicians from
around the world.
For the Summer Music Schedule,
visit:
www.coloradomusicfest.org
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