About the Program

Tchaikovsky’s Symphony No. 5 anchors a program exploring the many voices of American poetry. One of the composer’s most frequently performed works, the symphony has captivated audiences for generations with its emotional breadth, memorable melodies, and triumphant conclusion.

The evening opens with Ye Who Seek the Truth by Julia Perry, one of the most important American composers of the 20th century, before continuing with Leonard Bernstein’s Songfest. Written for the United States Bicentennial, Songfest sets poetry by 13 American poets and is rarely performed because of its scale, calling for six vocal soloists and orchestra. Music Director Aram Demirjian describes the work as the artistic inspiration behind the KSO’s inaugural Poet-in-Residence program, making this performance a natural continuation of the season’s exploration of poetry, storytelling, and American voices.

Featuring soprano Raquel González, mezzo-soprano Cierra Byrd, alto Renée Tatum, tenor John Overholt, baritone Stephen Salters, and bass David Crawford, the program offers audiences the opportunity to experience one of Bernstein’s most ambitious concert works alongside one of the great symphonies of the Romantic repertoire.