The Bloomington Symphony Orchestra opens its 64th season Sunday afternoon with something it has never played before. William Grant Still's Symphony No. 1, "Afro-American," sits at the center of "American Journey," and this will be the orchestra's first performance of the piece.
The concert starts at 2 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 11, at St. Michael's Lutheran Church, 9201 Normandale Blvd. Manny Laureano conducts. The orchestra says the season lines up with the country's semi-quincentennial, its 250th birthday, and it built the program around 3 composers it calls "synonymous with American music."
The afternoon opens with "Chester" from William Schuman's New England Triptych, Schuman's orchestration of a Colonial hymn. Still's symphony comes next, and the orchestra says it reflects "his time and life experiences." George Gershwin's An American in Paris closes the program.
Advance tickets cost $22 for adults and $18 for seniors 62 and older. At the door the price rises to $25 for adults and $22 for seniors. Groups of 10 or more pay $13 a person in advance, a limited number of premium seats go for $28, and students get in free with an ID. Seating is reserved, and the orchestra recommends buying ahead because door sales depend on what's left. You can buy through the orchestra's ticket page or by calling 952-563-8575.
The rest of the season is already scheduled: "Midnight, Finland, and the Movies" on Nov. 22, "Magically Romantic" on Feb. 21, 2027, and "The Many Moods of Mahler" on April 11, 2027. Tickets for the February and April concerts go through a different box office at 952-948-6506. All 4 dates are listed on the ticket page.
