Legacy of playing together

There is a rich musical tradition in Grand Rapids that is tied closely with the visual arts. The Grand Rapids Symphony Musicians Association and longtime partners the Grand Rapids Public Museum are showcasing this tradition with a free concert in the Meijer Theater on Tuesday, September 8 at 7:00 p.m.

Focusing on American composers, the concert will start with Aaron Copeland’s "Inaugural Fanfare." This piece, commissioned by the City of Grand Rapids for the unveiling of Calder’s "La Grande Vitesse" in 1969, will be followed by works from likes of George Gershwin. The concert will lead into other works from the era Prohibition as a tip of the hat to the Grand Rapids Public Museum’s upcoming “American Spirits" exhibit.

Andrew Koehler, Music Director of the Kalamazoo Philharmonia, will be leading past and current members of the Grand Rapids Symphony through the hour-long concert which will end with Beethoven’s "Fifth Symphony"