American Composers Orchestra

Through music spanning the 1920s to today, the American Composers Orchestra (ACO) explores the United States’ influence on the Weimar Republic, and, conversely, aspects of the Weimar legacy that resonate now in American culture. ACO performs Antheil’s Jazz Symphony, one of the first significant classical pieces influenced by jazz; short works by Duke Ellington, which caused a sensation during Sam Wooding and the Chocolate Kiddies’ 1925 tour of Berlin and Hamburg; and “My Ship” from Kurt Weill’s Lady in the Dark, with lyrics by Ira Gershwin. New works include a world premiere by Tonia Ko, co-commissioned by Carnegie Hall; a world premiere by John Glover and librettist Kelley Rourke, featuring mezzo-soprano Chrystal E. Williams and accordionist Felipe Hostins; and the New York premiere of Clans from Jerod Impichchaachaaha’ Tate’s Lowak Shoppala’.