American Dream

Conductor: Maestro Rune Bergmann
Aaron Copland: Fanfare for the Common Man
Aaron Copland: Quiet City
Sergei Rachmaninoff: Rhapsody on a Theme by Paganini, Op. 43 with piano soloist Fei-Fei ****
George Gershwin: Cuban Overture
George Gershwin: An American in Paris
John Philip Sousa: Stars and Stripes Forever 

The American Dream comes to life in a stirring evening of music that celebrates the heart, soul, and spirit of the nation. Featuring internationally acclaimed pianist Fei-Fei ****, this unforgettable program brings together the grand majesty of Copland, the virtuosic brilliance of Rachmaninoff, the rhythmic pulse of Gershwin, and the rousing patriotism of Sousa—all performed by the world-class Peninsula Music Festival Orchestra under the baton of Maestro Rune Bergmann.

The journey begins with the power and pride of The Star-Spangled Banner, setting the stage for Aaron Copland’s Fanfare for the Common Man—a soaring tribute to everyday heroes, with bold brass and thunderous percussion filling the concert hall with grandeur. In stark yet stunning contrast, Copland’s Quiet City follows, casting a spell of introspection and mystery through its haunting trumpet and English horn melodies, evoking the hush of a cityscape at night.

The centerpiece of this remarkable program features pianist Fei-Fei **** performing Rachmaninoff’s breathtaking “Rhapsody on a Theme of Paganini.” Infusing “intoxicating grace” with “exceptional musicality” and “inconceivable virtuosity,” Fei-Fei conjures a special and undeniable connectivity with her audiences that brings joy, passion, and deep musical understanding (Badische Neueste Nachrichten). Her engaging and endearing personality shines through in every note, word, and expression, and she has “shared her musical passions unstintingly” around the globe (Peninsula Review). Recent projects include her role as artist-in-residence with the Baden-Baden Philharmonic touring in Germany, a Carnegie Hall performance and tour of Spain with the New York Youth Symphony, and a performance of Rachmaninoff’s Piano Concerto No. 3 at Lincoln Center with the Pegasus Symphony.

The concert’s second half transports you through George Gershwin’s vibrant soundscapes, beginning with the Cuban Overture, a luscious and complex work showcasing the infectious rhythms and melodies of Cuban music. The journey continues with Gershwin’s iconic An American in Paris, bringing to life the sights and sounds of the City of Light through the eyes of an American traveler.

The evening culminates in a special treat as Festival Chairman David Keen takes the podium to lead the orchestra in John Philip Sousa’s rousing Stars and Stripes Forever, sending you home with patriotic melodies lingering in your ears and the spirit of America in your heart. From sweeping cinematic scores to dazzling piano fireworks and lively rhythms, American Dream is a concert that captures the essence of America’s musical legacy.

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