Copland, Ives, & A Guitar Concerto

OVERVIEW

As the nation marks its 250th birthday year, our visionary Creative Partner David Robertson invites you to experience an unforgettable evening spotlighting the brilliance of American composers both past and present.

The night begins with Copland’s vibrant Danzón cubano, a rhythmic burst of Cuban-inspired flair from one of America’s most iconic musical voices. Then, guitar sensation Gretchen Menn electrifies the stage with Aluminum Flowers—a dazzling highlight from our 2024 Guitar Festival that blends technical brilliance with mesmerizing artistry.

Ives’ lush and melodic Symphony No. 2 completes the evening, weaving beloved American tunes like “Turkey in the Straw” and “Camptown Races” into a bold symphonic landscape. As American and European styles intertwine, this work offers a fascinating glimpse into a changing musical world.

LEARN MORE ABOUT THE MUSICPLAN YOUR VISIT

Season Ticket Packages, Design-A-Series, & Group Tickets Available Now
Single-Performance Tickets Go On Sale August 1, 2025

ADDITIONAL ACTIVITIES

Join us for a pre-concert chat about the evening’s program with guest artists and symphony musicians, held 45 minutes prior to the performance start time in the First Tier Room.

PROGRAM

COPLAND: Danzón cubano
STEVEN MACKEY: Aluminum Flowers for guitar and orchestra
IVES: Symphony No. 2

ARTISTS

David Robertson
conductor

Gretchen Menn
guitar

Utah Symphony