Come hear America Singing: Greater Bridgeport Symphony, Nov. 7 at UB

IT’S “I HEAR AMERICA SINGING” AT 7:30 PM, NOVEMBER 7 AT MERTENS THEATER/UNIVERSITY OF BRIDGEPORT Numerous standing ovations at its season premiere on October 3 pave the way to the Greater Bridgeport Symphony’s (GBS’) second concert “I Hear America Singing” at Mertens Theater (Bernhard Center, University of Bridgeport) on November 7, featuring soprano Abigail Paschke and baritone Thomas Woodman with 24 members of The Wilton Singers. The program, anchored by the GBS chamber ensemble, includes music by American composers, from folk music to modern pieces, several of which are accompanied by a choir and soloists. “In planning this season, we knew that one concert should be about the emotional depth conveyed by the human voice. In America, the tradition of song preceded the development of instrumental music, and we’ll explore that in a program that exalts the beauty and diversity of this country,” says Maestro Eduardo Leandro, GBS’ Principal Conductor and Music Director. “American music isn’t afraid to show the hardships encountered by its people. We’ll be making use of that American voice in intimate and heartfelt music, with the amazing talents of soloists Abigail Paschke and Thomas Woodman along with the Wilton Singers.” This concert is part of the annual Bridgeport Art Trail. Concertgoers may attend Attracted to the Flame + New Works, an exhibit in the Bernhard Center’s Schelfhaudt Gallery (https://bridgeportarttrail.org/schelfhaudt-gallery). A Pre-Concert Talk by Dr. Frank Martignetti (7:00 PM in Bernhard’s recital hall) will introduce concertgoers to the music of the evening. There are delights for the senses from the moment of arrival at Mertens. Kevin Cotellese, director of the Wilton Singers, is excited to be part of the concert, which will begin with his ensemble singing America the Beautiful. “The Wilton Singers are delighted to share our sound with new listeners in this special collaboration in Bridgeport with GBS. America: Portraits in Sound invites us to celebrate the nation’s 250th anniversary through music that captures its heart, from the timeless sweep of Shenandoah to the compassion of Henry Mollicone’s Beatitude Mass and the powerful call of Irving Berlin’s Give Me Your Tired, Your Poor. It’s an honor to bring these American stories to life together.” The concert also includes modern pieces: Starburst, written by African American composer Jessie Montgomery in 2012, is a dynamic portrait of New York City life, while Rick Sowash’s Serenade for Mary dates to 1979. Jay Ungar’s Ashokan Farewell, familiar to millions as the main theme music from Ken Burns’ series The Civil War, is part of a pre-Veterans Day tribute to honor those who have served our country in the military. This will be followed by Samuel Barber’s iconic Adagio for Strings; its haunting strains, heard in countless films for their power to convey tragedy and heartbreak, have become America’s elegy for the honored dead. The concert will conclude with the Beatitude Mass, a unique blend of Latin prayer and contemporary vocals telling the story of homeless people in a moving tapestry of sound. “This concert is special in so many ways, with its use of voices from our own community, its tribute to our veterans, and its survey of American song,” says GBS President Mark Halstead. “Whitman’s great poem ’I Hear America Singing’ is one of the great expressions of American character, industry and culture -- the perfect theme for this concert. This music will strike a chord in the hearts of everyone who joins GBS that night.” Veterans and their families can get a special 30% discount on their November 7 tickets by calling GBS at (203)576-0263. GBS will also be accepting donations of non-perishable food for the Bridgeport Rescue Mission. Tickets and subscriptions are on sale now at www.GBS.org. Single tickets are $21 to $72 Kids under 19 are always FREE at GBS, and accompanying adults get 15% off regular price on their seats; please call GBS for this offer. Maestro Leandro sends this invitation: “As a new American citizen – since 2023! – I invite everyone to join us and celebrate this beautiful music which could only be created in a free land like ours.”