June 18, 7:30-9:30 PM

June 20, 7:30-9:30 PM

June 21, 3:00-5:00 PM

Aaron Copland’s timeless tribute to the nation’s 16th president anchors a powerful program spanning multiple generations of American composers. Chicago native and Tony Award-nominee Harry Lennix — most recently seen in The Goodman’s production of Inherit the Wind and also known for roles in The Blacklist, The Matrix franchise and the DC Universe — lends his commanding voice and presence to the piece as the narrator. Works by Ellington and former Mead Composer-in-Residence Jessie Montgomery reflect on the ideals of freedom and equality, Ives salutes his beloved New England, and Martinů honors Plymouth Rock, symbolizing the opportunities America offered him.