Sat 9/13 @ 8PM
Normally, orchestras reserve their razzle-dazzle patriotic programs for the Fourth of July when they can roll out the 1812 Overture and the fireworks.
But the Akron Symphony is opening its season with a program titled O’er the Land of the Free, celebrating the bicentennial of that most unsingable of national anthems, The Star-Spangled Banner (My mother always promoted changing it to “America The Beautiful,” which has a range more accommodating to the average singer, to say nothing of less war-like lyrics).
Obviously, Francis Scott Key’s register-busting tune will be performed — by singers who can hit ALL the notes. The Akron Symphony Chorus, led by Maria Sensi Sellner, a chorus from the Miller South School of the Visual and Performing Arts, and a chorus comprising community singers, who presumably can do this, will join music director and conductor Christopher Wilkins for the program, which will also include an appearance by associate conductor Levi Hammer and narration by Akron deputy mayor Dave Lieberth.
The concert takes place at E.J. Thomas Hall. Tickets are $25-$60.