Bernstein's Chichester Psalms

To celebrate the signing of the United States Declaration of Independence 250 years ago, the BBC National Orchestra and Chorus of Wales are joined by conductor Tomas Djupsjöbacka to perform a programme of Copland, Christopher Tin, Barber, and Bernstein. The scene is set with Aaron Copland's Appalachian Spring, a piece that conjures the celebration of settlers in a newly built farmhouse in Pennsylvania, before Christopher Tin also draws on American landscapes and experiences in his Piano Concerto, Pursuit of Happiness. Commissioned and performed for its UK premiere by pianist Lara Downes, the audaciously optimistic concerto celebrates the ideals pursued and deserved by every American. After the interval, the BBC National Chorus of Wales sing Samuel Barber's Agnus Dei — a choral reworking of his ever-popular Adagio for Strings — before they join forces with the BBC National Orchestra of Wales and treble Morris Bates to complete the celebrations with Leonard Bernstein's dramatic Chichester Psalms.

Presented by Alex Humphreys in BBC Hoddinott Hall, and recorded on the 5th July.

Copland: Appalachian Spring (Suite)
Christopher Tin: Pursuit of Happiness
Barber: Agnus Dei, Op 11
Bernstein: Chichester Psalms

Lara Downes (piano)
Morris Bates (Treble)
BBC National Orchestra and Chorus of Wales
Kellen Gray (conductor)

To listen on most smart speakers, just say "ask BBC Sounds to play Radio 3 in Concert."