American composer Joan Tower is acclaimed as “one of the most successful woman composers of all time.” In 2005, Ford Motor Company and over 60 regional orchestras co-commissioned Tower to write a piece that each of the orchestras could perform across the United States. That piece, Made in America, is based on two small bits of the well-known anthem “America, the Beautiful” (the lyrics for which were written here in Colorado Springs by the poet Katharine Lee Bates in 1893).  Tower’s work is in turns beautiful and filled with contrasts, and entirely enthralling. 

African American composer Florence Price (1887 - 1953) was one of America’s most talented composers in the 1930’s, but her career was roadblocked by prevailing gender bias and racism of the day. Fortunately, today her works have come back to the forefront and her 1934 Piano Concerto in One Movement illustrates her genius. Her concerto is a short work that’s very long on gorgeous melodies and sophistication, and a distinct nod to her African American musical heritage. 

Beethoven’s Fourth Symphony is likely the least performed of his nine symphonies, yet it holds its own among them, and is perhaps his most refreshingly witty and cheerful.  Beginning with one of the most evocative introductions in music, the Fourth goes on to engage us in countless ways – including a breathtakingly beautiful slow movement and a finale of unstoppable ebullience.