Doors: 6:00 PM
Concert: 6:30 PM
Artists:
Peter Oundjian, conductor
Janice Chandler-Eteme, soprano
Eric Owens, narrator
Adolphus Hailstork, composer
“Our national strength matters,” said President John F. Kennedy, “but the spirit which informs and controls our strength matters just as much.” This line and others appear in the libretto of the world premiere symphony, JFK: The Last Speech. The symphony joins two earlier projects, a book and documentary of the same title, which were a project of members of the Amherst Class of 1964 who had the privilege of witnessing President Kennedy deliver his last major speech on October 26, 1963, a celebration of his friend, Robert Frost. Composer Adolphus Hailstork says of JFK: The Last Speech, “My writing will reflect the autumn season, the solemnity of the moment, and the unique oratorical gifts of Kennedy – the president – and the profound literary gifts of Frost – the poet.”
Note: Patrons who are interested in viewing the documentary film, which will be shown prior to the CMF concert in the Chautauqua Community House, may do so by purchasing tickets here.
This special evening also includes two additional world premiere performances. Be the first to experience new music by rising star Jordan Holloway and Pulitzer Prize-nominated CU Boulder Professor of Composition, Carter Pann. Flatiron Escapades is a brand new work by composer Jordan Holloway, commissioned by the Colorado Music Festival in celebration of the Colorado Chautauqua’s 125th Anniversary. The music of Hollway’s Flatiron Escapades is inspired by the composer’s frequent visits to Chautauqua Park in search of awe, calm, and artistic inspiration. Individual movements portray the initial severe and staggering look of the Flatirons against the Boulder landscape, as well as the intimate and contemplative moments experienced through Chautauqua’s astonishing vistas.
JFK: The Last Speech is a project of members of the Amherst Class of 1964 through their non-profit Reunion ’64, Inc. They had the privilege of witnessing President Kennedy deliver his last major speech, October 26, 1963. The symphony joins two earlier projects, a book and documentary of the same title.
Program:
Jordan Holloway, world premiere commission
Carter Pann, Dreams I Will Never Tell You (world premiere commission)
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Adolphus Hailstork, JFK: The Last Speech (world premiere)
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