The concert begins with renowned Cellist Ovidiu Marinescu and his own Concerto for Two Cellos featuring the composer and SPSO Principal Cellist Alexandra Paino
(The following press release was provided verbatim by Southeastern Pennsylvania Symphony Orchestra)
On Saturday, May 16, 2026 at 7:30 p.m. at Worcester Township’s Calvary Baptist Church experience legendary American composer Aaron Copland’s Third Symphony. As perhaps the “great American symphony,” Copland’s Third transcends American idealism. The concert begins with renowned Cellist Ovidiu Marinescu and his own Concerto for Two Cellos featuring the composer and SPSO Principal Cellist Alexandra Paino.
Aaron Copland responded to America’s calling for culture, pride, and patriotism. Though he represented the pinnacle of an intense mid-century Americanism, Copland was no inwardly fixated nationalist; on the contrary, he was acutely interested in world politics and how the United States fit into the larger sphere. As the United States crept towards and through World War II, Copland was so distracted by what he read in the papers that he found it sometimes difficult to concentrate on composing. During the 1930’s Copland was often associated with more liberal ideas, but he was always honest, saying “musicians make music out of feelings aroused out of public events.” Just as eight decades ago, “Copland’s music is wonderfully relevant,” explains Music Director Allan R. Scott. “Art often reflects the thoughts, fears, and prayers that we all have, and with Copland he gives us an image of what American can and should be.”
Copland boosted American spirits with works such as Fanfare for the Common Man, Rodeo, and the Pulitzer Prize winning Appalachian Spring which all have become part of American culture. The Third Symphony speaks to the breadth of the American landscape in all its diversity, promise, and hope. Like Rodeo, Appalachian Spring, and Lincoln Portrait before it, the Third Symphony evokes a stirring spirit that is triumphantly “made in the U.S.A.”
Recognized internationally as a soloist, recording artist, and chamber musician, Cellist Ovidiu Marinescu has maintained a career throughout the globe for the past four decades, performing throughout the world and impacting audiences with his infectious love of music and connecting audiences of all ages and backgrounds to one another. His Concerto for Two Cellos, Strings, & Percussion composed in 2021 is a melting pot of music and employs influences of Spanish composer Joaquín Rodrigo, Gregorian chants, Scandinavian, Irish, Bulgarian, and Romanian folk music and dances. The Concerto will be performed by the composer and SPSO Principal Cello Alexandra Paino.
Tickets are on sale now. Calvary Baptist Church is noted as one of the finest venues for performances and is accessible and maintains generous free parking. Calvary Baptist Church is located at 1380 S. Valley Forge Road, Lansdale, PA. Details about the upcoming Season are below.
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