America at 250: Gershwin, Copland, and Visions of Humanity & Unity

Groups of 10+, visit https://longbeachsymphony.org/group-tickets/ for special arrangements. For special arrangements or questions, call the Box Office at (562) 436-3203 ext. 1. Long Beach Terrace Theater 300 E. Ocean Blvd. Long Beach, CA 90802 6:00 PM Doors open 6:30 PM Pre-Concert Talk 7:30 PM Concert Gordon & Ruth Dougherty Foundation in Honor of Evan J. Dougherty National Endowment for the Arts BUY TICKETS TO THIS CONCERT BUY 3+ CONCERTS & SAVE 20% Experience an evening of American orchestral music with Long Beach Symphony. From Aaron Copland’s bold and instantly recognizable Fanfare for the Common Man to the jazz-infused sounds of James P. Johnson’s Harlem Symphony, the program explores the remarkable range of America’s musical voice. Gershwin brings the energy of Broadway and the Jazz Age with the overture from Strike Up the Band. At the heart of the evening is Visions of Humanity and Unity, a remarkable new five-movement cello concerto bringing together five composers from different backgrounds and perspectives from within the American melting pot. Together, these works move from classical to jazz, Broadway to contemporary music, revealing the extraordinary breadth and vitality of American orchestral music. It’s a celebration of the sounds, styles and musical traditions that continue to shape America. AMERICAN MASTERWORKS. ONE REMARKABLE NIGHT. 🎺 Copland — Fanfare for the Common Man A bold, instantly recognizable American classic. 🎻 James P. Johnson — Harlem Symphony A groundbreaking orchestral work by one of the pioneers of American jazz and popular music. Chanda Dancy, Avner Dorman, Zhou Tian, Enrico Chapela and Mark O’Connor: Visions of Humanity and Unity. Grammy Award-winning cellist Zuill Bailey joins Long Beach Symphonyfor the Southern California premiere of this remarkable new five-movement cello concerto created by five composers, each inspired by a phrase from the Declaration of Independence, in a vibrant musical portrait of the people, experiences and traditions that shape America today. The complete work received its world premiere in August 2026, with Bailey and the Cincinnati Chamber Orchestra under the direction of Preu. Now, Long Beach audiences can experience this extraordinary new work in its Southern California premiere. 🎼 Gershwin — Overture from Strike Up the Band A high-energy finale filled with Gershwin’s unmistakable wit and rhythmic brilliance. Read the evening’s PROGRAM NOTES here. Arrive early for a special performance on the Plaza by the 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing Band. The band will then join Long Beach Symphony onstage for a powerful performance of The Star-Spangled Banner. The concert also launches Music Director Eckart Preu’s 10th anniversary season with Long Beach Symphony, marking a decade of imaginative programming and inspiring performances with the orchestra. Subscribe & Save | Download Full Season Guide Listen to the music before the concert. Hear the playlist Here. Doors open at 6:00 PM. Arrive early to relax, connect with fellow concertgoers and enjoy: Make the most of your evening by arriving early to relax, connect with fellow concertgoers, and immerse yourself in the complete Classical Series experience.