Maestro Hangen has chosen a trio of quintessential jazz-influenced American composers – with whom he shares connections – for a dynamically diverse first half. As Music Director for Omaha Symphony in 1986, he commissioned David Amram to write the program’s opening American Dance Suite. As a conducting fellow at the Berkshire Music Center at Tanglewood in the 1970’s, our conductor counted Boston’s Gunther Schuller and Lawrence-born legend Leonard Bernstein as teachers. The second half showcases our virtual pipe organ with Alexandre Guilmant’s full-blown, French Romantic symphony, featuring returning guest organist Randy Steere, a long-time Vista Philharmonic patron and donor of this extraordinary instrument.

AMRAM – American Dance Suite
SCHULLER – An Arc Ascending
BERNSTEIN – On the Waterfront Suite
GUILMANT – Symphony No. 2

Special Guest:  Randy Steere, organ