Marshall, Texas – The Marshall Symphony Orchestra is celebrating a historic milestone. Saturday night marks the opening of its 75th season with a special concert titled “American Landscapes,” a program that highlights the nation’s rich classical heritage as the United States approaches its 250th anniversary.
Program highlights American composers
Music director Kermit Poling explained that the evening’s repertoire was chosen to showcase the influence of American composers on the orchestral tradition. Attendees will hear Aaron Copland’s iconic “Appalachian Spring,” a work that evokes the wide‑open vistas of the American frontier, and Samuel Barber’s moving “Adagio for Strings,” a piece that has become synonymous with national moments of reflection.
Poling will also present his own composition, “To the Moon, Mars and Beyond,” a tribute to the United States’ space program and the brave astronauts who have ventured beyond Earth’s atmosphere. The new work underscores the concert’s theme of exploring the country’s physical and imaginative horizons.
Accessible to longtime fans and newcomers
Poling noted that many of the selections are familiar to audiences from film, television and popular culture, making the concert inviting for both seasoned concertgoers and those experiencing a symphony performance for the first time. “People will recognize these melodies from movies and TV shows, which helps bridge the gap between classical music and everyday life,” he said.
Details for attendees
The performance begins at 7 p.m. on Saturday at the Memorial City Hall Performing Arts Center in downtown Marshall. Tickets are available online at MarshallSymphony.com and at the box office on the night of the concert, subject to availability.
As one of the oldest orchestras in Texas, the Marshall Symphony continues to play a vital role in the cultural life of the ArkLaTex region. By honoring American composers and celebrating the nation’s upcoming quarter‑centennial, the orchestra aims to inspire pride in the country’s artistic achievements while providing a memorable evening for the local community.
Supporting the arts in Marshall
The concert is part of a broader effort to keep the arts vibrant in Marshall and surrounding East Texas communities. Local businesses, schools and civic groups have partnered with the symphony to promote music education and cultural enrichment. Residents are encouraged to attend, share the experience with family and friends, and support the continued growth of the city’s artistic institutions.
Original reporting: KTBS 3 (Shreveport) — read the source article.
