The Meridian Symphony Orchestra is marking the United States’ 250th birthday with a special concert titled “The American Spirit.” The event, scheduled for Saturday at 7:30 p.m. in the auditorium of South Junior High School, showcases two iconic American composers—Aaron Copland and Howard Hanson—and serves as the debut performance for the orchestra’s new artistic director, Craig Purdy.
Program highlights
Copland’s “An Outdoor Overture” opens the evening, followed by his moving “Lincoln Portrait.” The piece weaves excerpts from the Gettysburg Address, Lincoln’s 1862 annual message to Congress, and other remarks from the former president, bringing the words of Abraham Lincoln to life for the audience.
Later in the program, the orchestra will perform Howard Hanson’s Symphony No. 2, a romantic work that Purdy remembers fondly from his student days. “I had the privilege of playing under Mr. Hanson when I was in school,” Purdy said. “It’s a very touching moment, so that’s very special to me.”
Local ties and community impact
For Purdy, the concert is more than a celebration of national history; it is a homecoming. “There are so many of my former students from Boise State who play in the orchestra, so it’s wonderful coming back and working with them,” he explained. The event underscores the orchestra’s role in nurturing local talent and providing cultural enrichment for the Treasure Valley.
Bill Kloppenburg, an assistant principal at South Junior High and a performer in the concert, praised the program’s focus on American music. “It’s so gratifying to have a real, true celebration of true American music,” he said. “It’s almost like you’re getting a 3D image of the president.”
Tickets and attendance
Tickets are available through the Meridian Symphony Orchestra’s website. The concert is expected to draw families, students, and longtime supporters of the arts, reinforcing Meridian’s reputation as a hub for cultural events in the region.
About the Meridian Symphony Orchestra
The Meridian Symphony Orchestra has long been a cornerstone of the city’s arts scene, offering a range of performances that span classical masterworks to contemporary pieces. With the appointment of Craig Purdy as artistic director, the orchestra looks forward to expanding its repertoire and deepening its connections with local schools and community groups.
“This is our contribution to the state of Idaho and the region and to the country,” Purdy added. “Every orchestra, of course, is doing its part in the 250th celebration.”
For more information, including ticket pricing and seating details, visit the Meridian Symphony Orchestra website.
Original reporting: KIVI Idaho News 6 Boise metro (local) — read the source article.
