New director debuts as Meridian orchestra stages 250th anniversary program

One piece on the Meridian Symphony Orchestra's upcoming program holds a specific historical weight for the new Artistic Director. Craig Purdy plans to perform Howard Hanson's Symphony No. 2, a work he played under the composer's direct supervision during his student years.

The orchestra will present "The American Spirit" this Saturday at 7:30 p.m. at South Junior High School. The event marks the United States' 250th anniversary and serves as the official debut performance for Purdy, who recently assumed leadership of the group.

The program centers on compositions by Aaron Copland and Howard Hanson. Copland's "An Outdoor Overture and A Lincoln Portrait" incorporates vocal excerpts from Abraham Lincoln, including passages from the Gettysburg Address and his 1862 annual message to Congress. The inclusion of these texts aims to provide a direct auditory connection to the former president.

Bill Kloppenburg, a performer and assistant principal at South Junior High School, described the musical arrangement as a "real, true celebration of true American music." He noted that the performance creates an immersive experience, stating it feels like viewers are getting a three-dimensional image of the president.

For Purdy, the engagement carries personal resonance due to his professional history in the region. Many current orchestra members are former students from Boise State University. He described the return as a homecoming and emphasized the group's role in contributing to the national and state-level observances of the anniversary.

Tickets for the Saturday evening performance are available through the Meridian Symphony Orchestra website.