Drums sound, trumpets stand plain and proud: Copland鈥檚 'Fanfare for the Common Man' has become a symbol of all that鈥檚 noble in the American Dream, and as Thomas Dausgaard launches our new Season, we celebrate American music at its most life-affirming. Augusta Read Thomas鈥檚 brand new work 'Brio' lives up to its name and bursts with vim and vigour, while George Gershwin offers a swinging salute to the city that never sleeps 鈥� delivered by a pianist who鈥檚 a byword for brilliance. And then six world-class singers lift up their voices in 'Songfest', Leonard Bernstein鈥檚 big-hearted celebration of America in all its tolerance, diversity, tenderness and optimism. Originally written for the US Bicentennial celebrations, it鈥檚 more relevant than ever in its composer鈥檚 100th anniversary year.

Prelude: 6.45pm in the Grand Hall (please note change of location)
Thomas Dausgaard, 成人快手 SSO Chief Conductor, introduces the 2018/19 Season and tonight鈥檚 concert (free to ticket-holders).

The concert will be broadcast live on 成人快手 Radio 3 - presented by Jamie MacDougall.