Ellis Island: The Dream of America - Orchestra Series

In celebration of the 250th Anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, this inspiring program honors the immigrant spirit that defines America through music, storytelling, and historical imagery. Centered on Peter Boyer's Ellis Island: The Dream of America, and featuring works by immigrant composers who shaped the American sound, this powerful concert is both a tribute and a reflection on the courage and dreams that built a nation.

SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 22, 2026, 4:00 PM
MONDAY, FEBRUARY 23, 2026, 7:30 PM

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

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

A paean to the generations of immigrants whose dreams, sacrifice, and heart define the resilience of our nation. The program's finale, "Ellis Island," dramatically blends first-person accounts, period images, and an authentic and deeply emotional score.