OCC Symphony & Chamber Choirs Bring Americana to Costa Mesa on Oct. 8

Orange Coast College’s Symphony and Concert and Chamber Choirs will present the work of well-known American composers Aaron Copland and John Williams on Oct. 8 at 7:30 p.m. in the College’s Robert B. Moore Theatre

Both Copland and Williams have written music for popular films and concert music, and their recognizable themes have become emblematic of musical Americana.

“In a season when each of us is preparing to exercise our democratic right in the national election, I thought it would be a fitting opportunity for our musicians to play a concert program that embraces our American ideals, and to also celebrate the unique voices of two of our most idiomatic composers,” says OCC Symphony conductor Christopher Gravis.

The program will feature Copland’s “Lincoln Portrait,” which will feature narrator Carver Cossey reciting powerful excerpts from the 16th United States President’s most significant speeches.

The Symphony and Chamber Choirs also will be performing some of Williams’ Academy Award-nominated score for the 2012 Stephen Spielberg film “Lincoln.”

Other pieces that will be performed include Copland’s “Fanfare for the Common Man” and “The Promise of Living.”

“These pieces of music speak to the best of who we are as Americans and I believe they’ll speak very deeply to our audience in an uplifting and inspiring manner,” says Gravis.

The concert will finish with William’s highly enjoyable music from scores to Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone and Star Wars.

Tickets are available on www.occtickets.com for $10 for students, and $15 for the general public. Tickets also will be available at the door.