Copland’s Third: American Sky

Item details

Date

Saturday, Apr 25, 2026 7:30PM

Name

Copland’s Third
American Sky

Description

📍 This concert takes place at Powell Hall

Ryan Bancroft, conductor (SLSO debut)
Gabriela Montero, piano (SLSO debut)

Gabriella Smith Tumblebird Contrails
Sergei Prokofiev Piano Concerto No. 3
Aaron Copland Symphony No. 3

Like birds soaring through the sky or fingers sweeping effortlessly across piano keys, this program promises an experience of awe-inspiring beauty. Listeners have described Gabriela Montero’s piano playing as wonderfully imaginative with a monster technique. Montero takes on Prokofiev’s emotionally turbulent Third Piano Concerto in her SLSO debut. Ryan Bancroft also makes his SLSO debut leading the orchestra in Aaron Copland’s soaring Third Symphony—plus an imaginative work that gazes skyward by contemporary American composer and environmentalist Gabriella Smith.

A few things to know:

• In 2014 Gabriella Smith sat at the edge of the ocean and imagined the “ecstasy of wind in the wings” as she watched birds circle above her. This moment inspired her original work for orchestra Tumblebird Contrails.
• Prokofiev completed his Third Piano Concerto while visiting New York and then performed the world premiere of the piece himself with the Chicago Symphony in 1921.
• In addition to top tier conducting engagements around the world, Ryan Bancroft is currently the Chief Conductor of the Royal Stockholm Philharmonic Orchestra, a role he assumed in September 2023.
• In 2026 the United States begins a monumental commemoration of our country’s 250th anniversary. The SLSO honors its own home in the American heartland by exploring American music throughout the 25/26 season.

Tickets are currently available for subscribers. Curated Series and Compose Your Own subscriptions are on sale now.