The Great American Symphony

Aaron Copland's Symphony No. 3 swung for the bleachers and hit them. During the 1940s, American composers -- seeking a vehicle with which to rival the monolithic European tradition, whose shadow they labored under -- strove for the distinctly native voice, the Great American Symphony. In his Symphony No. 3, Copland realized this ambition fully. Now, who better to interpret Copland's grand vision than Leonard Slatkin? The former Saint Louis Symphony Orchestra conductor was nominated for a Grammy for his work leading the SLSO in its 1992 rendition of Copland's Third; this weekend he makes his return to St. Louis to pick up the baton again. Slatkin Conducts Copland 3 commences at 10:30 a.m. Friday, April 25, at Powell Symphony Hall (718 North Grand Boulevard; 314-534-1700 or www.slso.org), with additional performances at 8 p.m. Saturday and at 3 p.m. Sunday (April 26 and 27). Included in the program are works by Sierra and Saint-Saens. Tickets are $28 to $119.
Fri., April 25, 10:30 a.m.; Sat., April 26, 8 p.m.; Sun., April 27, 3 p.m., 2014