Eckart Preu, Conductor
Zuill Bailey, Cello
America at 250: Gershwin, Copland, and Visions of Humanity & Unity
Oct 10, 2026 7:30 PM
| Copland | Fanfare for the Common Man |
| Mark O’Connor, Avner Dorman, Enrico Chapela, Zhou Tian and Chanda Dancy | Visions of Humanity and Unity – Celebrating the Melting Pot of America through Music |
| Johnson | Harlem Symphony |
| Gershwin | Overture from Strike Up the Band |
An Evening of American orchestral music with Grammy Award-winning cellist Zuill Bailey.
October 10 at the Terrace Theater.
Experience an evening of American orchestral music with Long Beach Symphony. From Aaron Copland’s bold and instantly recognizable Fanfare for the Common Man to the jazz-infused sounds of James P. Johnson’s Harlem Symphony, the program explores the remarkable range of America’s musical voice. Gershwin brings the energy of Broadway and the Jazz Age with the overture from Strike Up the Band. At the heart of the evening is Visions of Humanity and Unity, a remarkable new five-movement cello concerto bringing together five composers from different backgrounds and perspectives from within the American melting pot. Together, these works move from classical to jazz, Broadway to contemporary music, revealing the extraordinary breadth and vitality of American orchestral music.
It’s a celebration of the sounds, styles and musical traditions that continue to shape America. AMERICAN MASTERWORKS. ONE REMARKABLE NIGHT.
🎺 Copland — Fanfare for the Common Man
A bold, instantly recognizable American classic.
🎻 James P. Johnson — Harlem Symphony
A groundbreaking orchestral work by one of the pioneers of American jazz and popular music.
Chanda Dancy, Avner Dorman, Zhou Tian, Enrico Chapela and Mark O’Connor: Visions of Humanity and Unity. Grammy Award-winning cellist Zuill Bailey joins Long Beach Symphonyfor the Southern California premiere of this remarkable new five-movement cello concerto created by five composers, each inspired by a phrase from the Declaration of Independence, in a vibrant musical portrait of the people, experiences and traditions that shape America today. The complete work received its world premiere in August 2026, with Bailey and the Cincinnati Chamber Orchestra under the direction of Preu. Now, Long Beach audiences can experience this extraordinary new work in its Southern California premiere.
🎼 Gershwin — Overture from Strike Up the Band
A high-energy finale filled with Gershwin’s unmistakable wit and rhythmic brilliance.
Read the evening’s PROGRAM NOTES here.
Arrive early for a special performance on the Plaza by the 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing Band. The band will then join Long Beach Symphony onstage for a powerful performance of The Star-Spangled Banner.
The concert also launches Music Director Eckart Preu’s 10th anniversary season with Long Beach Symphony, marking a decade of imaginative programming and inspiring performances with the orchestra.
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Listen to the music before the concert. Hear the playlist Here.
Doors open at 6:00 PM. Arrive early to relax, connect with fellow concertgoers and enjoy:
- Live Prelude performance on the Plaza
- A complimentary 6:30 PM Pre-Concert Talk with Music Director Eckart Preu, offering insights and inspirational background stories to evening’s program
- The Third Space, a spot to socialize and meet new people
- The soothing Sip & Enjoy concert hall experience
- The Terrace Theater’s ambiance, including fountains and fire pits
Make the most of your evening by arriving early to relax, connect with fellow concertgoers, and immerse yourself in the complete Classical Series experience.
Eckart Preu, Conductor
Eckart Preu (Eck-art Proy) began his tenure as Music Director of Long Beach Symphony in 2017. Critics, the orchestra, and audiences alike have celebrated his ability to combine well-loved masterworks with rare or newer works in programs offering dimension, sophistication, and spirit. Preu also currently serves as …
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Zuill Bailey, Cello
Zuill Bailey, widely considered one of the premiere cellists in the world, is a Grammy Award winning, internationally renowned soloist, recitalist, Artistic Director and teacher. His rare combination of celebrated artistry, technical wizardry and engaging personality has made him one of the most sought after …
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