Michael Haithcock, conductor; Dustin Barr, graduate student conductor; Jeff Lyman, bassoon; Scott Piper, tenor. Pre-concert lecture with composers Derek Bermel and James Stephenson, American music expert Mark Clague, and Michael Haithcock at 7:15PM in the Lower Lobby. “Inspirations.” Celebrate the 200th anniversary of the Star Spangled Banner, as well as George Gershwin’s birth date, with a variety of compositions inspired by historical events, timeless melodies, and profound poetry. Variations composed by Sweelinck, Hindemith, and Grantham are based on original melodies ranging from a popular German song of the 16th century to the piano music of Weber and Gershwin. The timeless words of Shakespeare inspired the title of guest composer Derek Bermel’s spirited march while the poetry of Yeats inspired James Stephenson’s lyrical bassoon concerto showcasing U-M faculty Jeff Lyman and Scott Piper. PROGRAM: Smith - The Star Spangled Banner; Grantham - Fantasy Variations on Gershwin’s Second Prelude; Stephenson - A Dialogue of Self and Soul, Jeff Lyman (bassoon), Scott Piper (tenor); Bermel - Ides March; Sweelinck - Variations on "Mein junges Leben hat ein End" Dustin Barr (conductor); Hindemith - Symphonic Metamorphosis of Themes by Carl Maria von Weber.