United Sounds of America

United Sounds of America brings the Santa Cruz Symphony Orchestra, conducted by Daniel Stewart and led by the brilliant pianist Christine McLeavey, to a cinematic celebration of America’s musical heritage. The program journeys from the soaring anthem “Star Spangled Banner” (arr. John Stafford Smith in a Toscanini‑esque style) to Anton Dvořák’s triumphant finale of the New World Symphony. It then confronts the existential musings of Charles Ives in “The Unanswered Question,” before plunging into George Gershwin’s timeless “Rhapsody in Blue.” The showcase continues with Florence Price’s vibrant “Juba Dance” from Symphony No. 1, Samuel Barber’s haunting “Adagio for Strings,” Aaron Copland’s rousing “Fanfare for the Common Man,” Leonard Bernstein’s lush excerpts from West Side Story, and Nina Simone’s stirring “Come Ye.” The film culminates in the world‑premiere “Chukchansi Overture” by Jackie Orzel and the iconic score of John Williams from Star Wars. Join us for this cinematic tribute to the rich tapestry of American music—details and tickets available on our site.