Ellis Island – The Dream of America
Sunday, February 22, 2026, at 4:00 pm
Monday, February 23, 2026, at 7:30 pm

John Morris Russell, conductor
Lean Ensemble Theater
Blake White, director

Charles Ives, orch. Schumann Variations on “America”
Igor Stravinsky Scherzo á la russe
Miklós Rósza Parade of the Charioteers from Ben Hur
Astor Piazzolla Adios Nonino
Erich Wolfgang Korngold Kings Row Suite
Peter Boyer Ellis Island: The Dream of America

In honor of the 250th Anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, this powerful program pays tribute to the immigrant spirit that has shaped—and continues to shape—our nation. Through music, spoken words, and historical imagery, this concert is both a celebration and a reflection: a deeply human homage to the courage, resilience, and dreams of those who came to America seeking a better life.

The centerpiece is Peter Boyer’s Ellis Island: The Dream of America, one of the most-performed American orchestral works of the 21st century. This moving, multimedia experience blends first-person immigrant narratives, period photography, and Boyer’s sweeping cinematic score. Presented in collaboration with Lean Ensemble Theater and under the direction of Blake White, seven actors in costume bring real Ellis Island stories to life beneath a towering projection screen that transforms the stage into a portal to the past.

Surrounding this landmark work is a program that highlights the rich musical contributions of immigrant composers whose art forever changed the American soundscape:

• Charles Ives/William Schuman – Variations on America: A whimsical, irreverent take on a patriotic tune, orchestrated with flair and humor.
• Igor Stravinsky – Scherzo à la Russe: A playful snapshot from a Russian master who found a creative home in Hollywood.
• Miklós Rózsa – Parade of the Charioteers: A rousing excerpt from Ben-Hur by the Hungarian-born composer who helped define the golden age of film scores.
• Astor Piazzolla – Adiós Nonino: An elegy of tango and longing, from the Argentine innovator who fused Latin, jazz, and classical styles.
• Erich Korngold – Kings Row Suite: A lush, sweeping work by the Viennese émigré whose music helped invent the sound of Hollywood.

A concert as inspiring as the stories it tells is America, in all its diversity, artistry, and humanity.

Thank you to our Performance Sponsor