The original “Salon” ensemble of nobility in the 16th and 17th Century, primarily composed of stringed instruments with keyboard (Harpsichord before the Pianoforte) evolved through 19th century European society incorporating woodwinds and various brass instruments, as well as percussion and composed of musicians from their respective cities which the orchestras represented. This orchestra would be the version eventually exported to America in the early 1800’s to form what is now our modern day Symphonic Orchestra. Bigger and grander than anything nobility ever experienced in the 17th Century, and no doubt much more greatly in tune! By the early part of the 20th Century, American Orchestras out numbered their European counterparts. American composers began writing for larger ensembles than ever before and creating a vast repertoire of Symphonic literature suitable for such forces. Barber, Bernstein, Block, Copland, Ives, Johnson, Joplin, Gershwin, and Stravinsky name but a fraction of this list….

The Gettysburg Festival~Celebrating America features The Gettysburg Festival Orchestra composed of musicians from several cities up and down the eastern seaboard. This ensemble created just for the Festival will perform existing and commissioned works in concert, as well as accompany The Suzanne Farrell Ballet in residence during the 2008 season.

Events
Print a Full Orchestral Festival Schedule

“Leonard Bernstein in Höchst”
The Majestic Theater
Thursday, June 19, 2008 ~ 2:00 PM

“Songfest”- Celebrating American Poets and Composers
The Gettysburg Festival Finale
The Majestic Theater
Saturday, June 28, 2008 ~ 8:00 PM

All artists, repertoire, performance dates, times, venues
are subject to change.