Undiscovered Copland

Philip Brunelle and the VocalEssence Chorus & Ensemble Singers will explore Aaron Copland’s choral repertoire in music, dance and spoken word. The performance includes Copland’s stunning choral masterpiece In the Beginning, which sets the book of “Genesis” to song, and “The Promise of Living” from the opera The Tender Land.

The Second Hurricane, Copland’s rarely performed first opera, tells the story of high school students stranded after a hurricane, learning to work together for their own survival and freedom. Dancer/choreographer James Sewell of the James Sewell Ballet creates original choreography for “Simple Gifts,” along with more of Copland’s popular Old American Songs.

Listen to feature on Classical Minnesota Public Radio

Philip Brunelle and James Sewell talked with Classical Minnesota Public Radio's John Birge about Aaron Copland, and how from the beginning to today, Copland's voice still speaks so clearly to so many people.