CLASSICS: FESTIVAL OF AMERICAN MUSIC: Journeys of Faith

Creating music to honor her family, Austrian composer Olga Neuwirth (winner of the 2022 Grawemeyer Award) was inspired by the multi-ethnic origins of her grandfather to create a musical river of sound. Her “Masaot” – Hebrew for “journey” — traces his life, and explores her own identity, through time and multiple homelands while maintaining a heart of faith.

Whether contemplating or cursing the Almighty, Leonard Bernstein’s lifelong battle with faith took a devastating blow with the assassination of John F. Kennedy. His Kaddish Symphony is dedicated to the memory of JFK, his friend, and President. Even now, 60 years later, the work’s exploration of faith, the elusive concept of peace, and bringing forward Woman as the narrator who challenges God all speak as loudly today as ever. With no obvious religious component, Bernstein’s Kaddish Symphony continues to be a prayer for mankind.

Concert Programs:

A World premiere piece commissioned from the Louisville Orchestra Creators Corps
Olga NEUWIRTH:  Masaot/Clocks Without Hands
Leonard BERNSTEIN:  Symphony No. 3, “Kaddish”

Teddy Abrams, conductor
Louisville Chamber Choir
Children’s Chorus
TBD, soprano