Coming of Age - SUMMERTIME

Summertime

Saturday, May 31, 2025, 7:00 p.m. at Latino Cultural Center

Amy Marcy Cheney Beach, arr. Kenneth Atkins, Summer Dreams, op. 47 (1901, orch. 2022)

Composer: Amy Marcy Cheney Beach (1867-1944), American

Description:This delightful piece for NTSO Strings captures the essence of summer. Kenneth Atkins’ arrangement brings a fresh orchestral perspective to Beach’s original work.

Resources: YouTube (with score), JWPepper

Overview

The New Texas Symphony Orchestra’s 21st season, “Coming of Age,” is a thoughtfully curated journey through the themes of Hope, Adventure, and Wisdom. This season promises a rich tapestry of musical experiences celebrating the orchestra’s growth and maturation. The programming features a diverse range of composers and styles and offers audiences a profound and enriching musical experience that reflects the orchestra’s journey of coming of age.

21st Season Artistic Theme: Coming of Age
Coming of age is to become fully established. Someone’s coming of age is when that person legally becomes an adult and is old enough to vote; when someone matures emotionally or in some other way; when something starts to become successful: the coming of age of democracy in the country.
Merriam-Webster: The attainment of prominence, respectability, recognition, or maturity; First known use: 1729 (Other words from that year), 1729 in music:

The four stages are:

1. REALIZATION—changing, emotional and mental preparation, growing;

2. REMOVAL—changing environment, separation, experiment;

3. CHALLENGE—proving ready; and

4.REINTEGRATION—back into society, rebirth, new status.