In Friday’s (11/8) Times-Picayune (New Orleans) Chris Waddington writes, “New Orleans can thank America’s veterans for one more thing on Nov. 11: a concert that features film star John Goodman, the Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra, pianist Jeffrey Biegel, the Symphony Chorus and a world premiere from the rising young composer Jake Runestad. Hosted by the National World War II Museum, this gala turns the spotlight offstage, illuminating the sacrifices of the nation’s veterans.… Goodman will read the text of Aaron Copland’s ‘Lincoln Portrait’ with the LPO…. Composer Runestad also focuses on an individual in his new work, ‘Dreams of the Fallen,’ which will be premiered by the LPO, the chorus, and pianist Biegel. He built the composition around texts by poet and Desert Storm veteran Brian Turner.… ‘Dreams of the Fallen’ is his first major commission for an orchestra. After Monday’s world premiere, ensembles in Ohio, Illinois, New Jersey and Virginia will perform it, with Biegel at the keyboard. The LPO leaped at the chance to perform the work first and helped to broker the collaborative program with the World War II Museum.”
Posted November 11, 2013
