Worthington Area Symphony Orchestra:
Celebrate America
WASO: Celebrate America
Saturday, May 16 - 7:00 p.m.
"Celebrate America" is the focus of Worthington Area Symphony Orchestra's spring concert on May 16, 2026. The orchestra continues a new tradition of a Saturday evening, 7pm performance which reaches a larger community audience through weekend access to its performance. Saturday afternoon dress rehearsal also improves participation for a broader range of area musicians. As a spring extravaganza celebration of America's semi quincentennial, the orchestra presents works representing American composers with both new and iconic works.
The program's patriotic opener is "The Star Spangled Banner", inviting soul stirring audience participation. Following America's national anthem is "An Outdoor Overture" by American composer Aaron Copland. Written in 1938, Copland rose to the challenge issued by the High School of Music & Art of New York which requested a work of "American Music for American Youth." The music gives a buoyant and zestful open-air feeling representative of the broad reach of America's landscape in a vibrant spirit of optimism.
Florence Price, is an African American composer whose works were rediscovered and released more widely in the 20th Century. Originally written in 1939, "Concert Overture #1" is based on the spiritual "Sinner Please Don't Let This Harvest Pass." The work is vibrant and romantic, integrating African American music with classical traditions.
The next two features showcase composers familiar to both orchestra musicians and audience members. WASO's maestro, Christopher Stanichar, directs his work "Independence Overture." It was commissioned by Christopher Hill to celebrate the 100th Anniversary of the Sioux Falls Municipal Band. It is a celebratory overture which includes robust percussion and mallet accompaniment. A long time WASO participant and graduate of the Worthington school's orchestra program, Ethan Hyvari's composition will have it's debut in this concert. Ethan is a recent graduate of Concordia College where he wrote "Euphonic Pulse" while earning a degree in music composition. Ethan describes his approach to composition as "fun." This exciting work opens in a trumpet "wake up" call which builds throughout the ensemble.
Completing the first half of the concert is Ted Rickets' work focused on the music of another African American artist. " 'Satchmo!'-- A Tribute to Louis Armstrong" is a medley of tunes by one of America's most influential jazz artists. Trumpet solos and dynamic orchestral accompaniment bring the legendary sound of a truly American artist to life.
The concert's second half starts with an iconic American theme: the Wild West! "The Magnificent Seven" is a lively score written by Elmer Bernstein for a 1960 movie. One of the most recognizable western themes ever written, its lively appeal connects with audience members of all ages. It might even bring out the "cowboy" in orchestra members.
Bookending the concert are four enjoyable American works by recognized American composers. "America, The Beautiful," written by Samuel Ward, arranged by Carmen Dragon, is an enjoyable, accessible arrangement for both audience and young orchestra members. John Philip Sousa's "The Stars and Stripes Forever" continues to entice audience participation while giving the wind players a moment to shine. An often requested piece follows as "Armed Forces Salute" arranged by Bob Lowden acknowledges the heroes among us. Finally, Irving Berlin's "God Bless America" with vocal ensemble will have the audience participating.
WASO's "Celebrate America" concert features patriot works, American themes, and American composers. Lush orchestrations, challenging overtures and recognized anthems, present American music for all tastes in a crowd pleasing format.
Meet and Greet in the lobby following concert.
Adult: $15. Student: $5
Saturday, May 16 - 7:00 p.m.
"Celebrate America" is the focus of Worthington Area Symphony Orchestra's spring concert on May 16, 2026. The orchestra continues a new tradition of a Saturday evening, 7pm performance which reaches a larger community audience through weekend access to its performance. Saturday afternoon dress rehearsal also improves participation for a broader range of area musicians. As a spring extravaganza celebration of America's semi quincentennial, the orchestra presents works representing American composers with both new and iconic works.
The program's patriotic opener is "The Star Spangled Banner", inviting soul stirring audience participation. Following America's national anthem is "An Outdoor Overture" by American composer Aaron Copland. Written in 1938, Copland rose to the challenge issued by the High School of Music & Art of New York which requested a work of "American Music for American Youth." The music gives a buoyant and zestful open-air feeling representative of the broad reach of America's landscape in a vibrant spirit of optimism.
Florence Price, is an African American composer whose works were rediscovered and released more widely in the 20th Century. Originally written in 1939, "Concert Overture #1" is based on the spiritual "Sinner Please Don't Let This Harvest Pass." The work is vibrant and romantic, integrating African American music with classical traditions.
The next two features showcase composers familiar to both orchestra musicians and audience members. WASO's maestro, Christopher Stanichar, directs his work "Independence Overture." It was commissioned by Christopher Hill to celebrate the 100th Anniversary of the Sioux Falls Municipal Band. It is a celebratory overture which includes robust percussion and mallet accompaniment. A long time WASO participant and graduate of the Worthington school's orchestra program, Ethan Hyvari's composition will have it's debut in this concert. Ethan is a recent graduate of Concordia College where he wrote "Euphonic Pulse" while earning a degree in music composition. Ethan describes his approach to composition as "fun." This exciting work opens in a trumpet "wake up" call which builds throughout the ensemble.
Completing the first half of the concert is Ted Rickets' work focused on the music of another African American artist. " 'Satchmo!'-- A Tribute to Louis Armstrong" is a medley of tunes by one of America's most influential jazz artists. Trumpet solos and dynamic orchestral accompaniment bring the legendary sound of a truly American artist to life.
The concert's second half starts with an iconic American theme: the Wild West! "The Magnificent Seven" is a lively score written by Elmer Bernstein for a 1960 movie. One of the most recognizable western themes ever written, its lively appeal connects with audience members of all ages. It might even bring out the "cowboy" in orchestra members.
Bookending the concert are four enjoyable American works by recognized American composers. "America, The Beautiful," written by Samuel Ward, arranged by Carmen Dragon, is an enjoyable, accessible arrangement for both audience and young orchestra members. John Philip Sousa's "The Stars and Stripes Forever" continues to entice audience participation while giving the wind players a moment to shine. An often requested piece follows as "Armed Forces Salute" arranged by Bob Lowden acknowledges the heroes among us. Finally, Irving Berlin's "God Bless America" with vocal ensemble will have the audience participating.
WASO's "Celebrate America" concert features patriot works, American themes, and American composers. Lush orchestrations, challenging overtures and recognized anthems, present American music for all tastes in a crowd pleasing format.
Meet and Greet in the lobby following concert.
Adult: $15. Student: $5