One of the challenges facing performing arts ensembles when planning seasons around the 250th anniversary of the U.S. was programming music that reflected the ensemble and dug a little more deeply into the theme, moving beyond a playlist of the most popular works by American composers. A Tempo host Rachel Katz explores this question with Orchestra Lumos Music Director Michael Stern and violinist Kelly Hall-Thompkins, who is performing Wynton Marsalis's violin concerto in the orchestra's opening concert. The concert also featured arrangements of music from Fiddler on the Roof, and Tchaikovsky’s Symphony No. 2, and the season at large also includes a newly commissioned work whose movements are inspired by American historical figures. They share their thoughts about programming music for the season, particularly by American and contemporary composers, and other works that reflect different aspects of American musical and cultural history.
