Between the Old and New Worlds

Experience a captivating journey through a pivotal era in American music with *Between the Old and New Worlds*. This stunning concert film explores the transformative years between 1932 and 1945, a time of immense social and political upheaval that profoundly shaped the landscape of American music. Conducted by the acclaimed Marin Alsop and featuring the virtuosic violinist Ning Feng, this program showcases four groundbreaking composers who dared to redefine what American music could be. From George Gershwin’s vibrant *Cuban Overture*, born from a Havana holiday and brimming with the fusion of jazz and symphonic grandeur, to Aaron Copland's deeply moving *Appalachian Spring*, featuring the iconic Shaker hymn "Simple Gifts," this concert encapsulates the spirit of hope and resilience amidst wartime. Journey into the joyous celebration of Leonard Bernstein's *Three Dance Episodes from On the Town*, a whirlwind portrait of three sailors experiencing New York City, seamlessly blending classical, Broadway, and jazz influences. And finally, witness Erich Wolfgang Korngold’s deeply personal *Violin Concerto in D major*, a triumphant return to normalcy following his exile from Austria, interwoven with themes from his beloved film scores – *Another Dawn*, *Anthony Adverse*, and *The Prince and the Pauper*. *Between the Old and New Worlds* is more than a concert; it’s a vibrant exploration of American identity, innovation, and the enduring power of music to transcend boundaries.