Start Time
- 11:15a on Friday, May 8
- 7:30p on Saturday, May 9
- 2:30p on Sunday, May 10
conductor
Ken-David Masur
director; Concert Theatre Works
Bill Barclay
Copland
Music for Movies
Copland
Music for the Theatre
CONCERT DETAILS
Copland & Twain: An America 250 Celebration
Co-premiere by the Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra, Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra, and Ravinia Festival
This exciting new theatrical concert from director Bill Barclay and Concert Theatre Works marries Aaron Copland’s stirring incidental music with Mark Twain’s poignant observations of a changing America. Copland's compositions, including Music for Movies and Music for the Theatre, meet excerpts from Twain's essays, apocryphal stories, speeches, and articles. Music Director Ken-David Masur leads the full orchestral power of the MSO, joined by six costumed actors and enhanced by projected visuals. The merging artistry of two critical pillars of American identity provides a soothing & thought-provoking take on the polarizing questions vexing our body politic today using majesty, tolerance, wisdom, and humor.
Friday, May 8
MEET THE MUSIC
Please join us at the Bradley Symphony Center one hour before the concert for a free Meet the Music pre-concert talk. Enjoy an engaging, informative look at the works you'll experience live at the performance.
PRELUDE SHUTTLE BUS
Make your day even more enjoyable by adding transportation to make your trip downtown easy and carefree. Sign up for individual dates or the entire 6-concert series, and we’ll provide round-trip coach bus service from Mayfair Mall. Here are the details:
- 8:45 a.m. — Arrive at the southeast lot at Mayfair Mall, east of the former Boston Store to board the coach bus.
- 9:00 a.m. — Prelude Shuttle departs from Mayfair arriving at the Bradley Symphony Center around 9:30 a.m.
- Depart immediately following the concert. Advance notice is not required for the return trip.
Pre-Concert Shuttle Transportation is available for a nominal fee of $20 per concert or $90 for the Prelude Series. To learn more or sign up for the shuttle contact Luther Gray by email or at 414.226.7840.
Meet the Artist Luncheon
Join us post-concert for lunch with conductors and MSO musicians in the Pavilion at the Bradley Symphony Center, following all Friday Prelude Series performances. The popular luncheons include an engaging Q & A session with artists, paired with delicious cuisine by our partners at Resonance Food Co.
Luncheon price is $36.60 and does not include concert tickets. To learn more or sign up for the luncheon contact Luther Gray by email or at 414.226.7840.
Food & Beverage Service
Resonance Food Co. offers a variety of choices, prepared on-site by our full-time chefs. Beginning 90 minutes before each performance, enjoy tasty treats and libations at numerous bar locations throughout the Bradley Symphony Center.
Saturday, May 9
MEET THE MUSIC
Please join us at the Bradley Symphony Center one hour before the concert for a free Meet the Music pre-concert talk. Enjoy an engaging, informative look at the works you'll experience live at the performance.
Food & Beverage Service
Resonance Food Co. offers a variety of choices, prepared on-site by our full-time chefs. Beginning 90 minutes before each performance, enjoy tasty treats and libations at numerous bar locations throughout the Bradley Symphony Center.
Sunday, May 10
MEET THE MUSIC
Please join us at the Bradley Symphony Center one hour before the concert for a free Meet the Music pre-concert talk. Enjoy an engaging, informative look at the works you'll experience live at the performance.
Food & Beverage Service
Resonance Food Co. offers a variety of choices, prepared on-site by our full-time chefs. Beginning 90 minutes before each performance, enjoy tasty treats and libations at numerous bar locations throughout the Bradley Symphony Center.
Support


Start Time
- 11:15a on Friday, May 8
- 7:30p on Saturday, May 9
- 2:30p on Sunday, May 10
conductor
Ken-David Masur
director; Concert Theatre Works
Bill Barclay
Copland
Music for Movies
Copland
Music for the Theatre