On the weekend of June 6 and 7, Espressivo will perform one of the most beloved works of American classical music. From its first performance in 1944, Aaron Copland’s Appalachian Spring was hailed as a masterpiece. “It is a celebration of the human spirit,” wrote the New York Times’ music critic after the triumphant premiere.

But while Appalachian Spring remains a much-performed orchestral work, it is rarely heard in its original version. In the June concerts, Espressivo returns to the intimate chamber version that Copland first composed for Martha Graham’s ballet of the same name. The spare instrumentation (there are only thirteen musicians) and accessible melodies perfectly matched the historical moment. After years of war and economic depression, Americans longed for simplicity, idealism, and – above all – for hope. In today’s troubled times, these needs still resonate profoundly.

Also on the program is Jan Sibelius’s haunting and atmospheric tone poem, En Saga. Like Appalachian Spring, this work is generally performed by a full orchestra, but Sibelius originally sketched out his ideas for a chamber ensemble. Espressivo will honor the composer’s original concept in a version for only seven instruments. Coming as a complete change of pace is Felix Mendellsohn’s String Symphony Number 7, an astonishingly accomplished work from a thirteen-year-old prodigy. And rounding out the program is Darius Milhaud’s exuberant Little Symphony No. 3, well-named because it is scored for only seven instruments and lasts just over four minutes!

Conducting Espressivo for the first time is Michael McGushin, a veteran of Santa Cruz’s musical scene. Michael is a conductor, pianist, and composer who currently acts as the conductor of the UCSC Chamber Singers and of the New Music Works ensemble. A frequent performer in the Monterey Bay area, Mr. McGushin brings a depth of experience that a program of this range requires. Espressivo is delighted to welcome him to his belated debut with the ensemble.