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Showings
Program
View Digital Program-
Men and Mountains
I. Men, A Rhapsodic Proclamation
II. Lilacs
III. Marching Mountains
- "The L&N Don't Stop Here Anymore"
- World Premiere (Title TBD)
- Anthracite Fields
Artists
Additional Info
This concert explores music shaped by mining communities, Appalachian landscapes, and the lives of working people, themes that resonate deeply in Kentucky and across the region. Through orchestral and choral works rooted in labor, land, and memory, the program reflects how shared experience and place are transformed into sound.
The evening opens with Fanfare for the Common Man by Aaron Copland, a powerful statement of dignity and collective strength, followed by Carl Ruggles’ rarely performed Men and Mountains, inspired by the physical scale and spirit of American landscapes. Choral works by Schubert and Jean Ritchie add a more intimate voice, drawing on mining life, Appalachian traditions, and stories closely tied to Kentucky’s cultural history.
At the heart of the program is Anthracite Fields by Julia Wolfe, the only major classical work centered on coal mining. Built from interviews with miners and their families, the piece blends chorus, orchestra, and recorded voices into a moving portrait of labor and endurance. The Louisville Orchestra is proud to co-commission this expanded full-orchestral version, bringing new scale and depth to a work rooted in lived experience.
Led by Teddy Abrams and performed with the Louisville Chamber Choir, this concert offers a connected musical journey that honors community, history, and the shared stories that shape a place.
FAQs
At most of our venues, if you arrive after the concert has begun, an usher will seat you at an appropriate time, such as during applause or intermission. At the Kentucky Center, monitors located in the lobby allow you to follow the performance while you wait.
Concert length varies, but we recommend planning for about two hours. Digital programs include the specific music run-time, which can give you a better idea of the concert length. Please note that music run-time only covers the pieces being performed and does not account for speaking between pieces, applause, etc.
At The Kentucky Center, Old Forester Paristown Hall, and The Louisville Palace, you will go through security checkpoints upon entry. Expect to pass through a metal detector, and note that all bags may be searched. Outside food and beverages are not allowed inside. Check each venue's Visitors Guide for more details:
- The Kentucky Center and Old Forester Paristown Hall - View Visitors Guide
- The Louisville Palace - View Visitors Guide
For events at outdoor or alternate venues, please check your email for "Know Before You Go" information, sent to the email of the ticket purchaser. For further questions, contact our Patron Services team at 502.587.8681.
Come as yourself! There’s no dress code, so wear what makes you feel comfortable. You’ll see everything from business and cocktail attire to casual and creative styles.
We ask all audience members to silence their phones before the performance begins. Photos and videos are prohibited, as light from screens can be distracting.
Snacks and drinks are sometimes available for purchase before the concert and during intermission. Alcoholic beverages are available for guests 21+ with a valid ID. We recommend dining before the show; check out our interactive map for nearby hotels, restaurants, and parking options.
Parking is available for purchase at all partner venues. For convenience, use our interactive map for parking recommendations as well as nearby hotels and restaurants.
Join us for free pre-concert talks before each Coffee and Classics Series concert, hosted by WUOL. These engaging talks often feature composers, conductors, or musicians from the program, who share fascinating details and insights about the music you're about to experience.
Sponsors
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