'Last Century' concert will come to Kenyon-Wanamingo

The Cannon Valley Regional Orchestra will present a concert of music of the last century with Donna May at 3 p.m. Sunday May 13 in the Kenyon-Wanamingo School Auditorium, Kenyon.

Higlights will include Aaron Copland’s “Fanfare for the Common Man” for brass and percussion and “London Every Day Suite” by Eric Coates, in addition to American songs by popular composers. "Knoxville Summer of 1915" is a landmark piece by American composer Samuel Barber.

May, a soprano from Northfield, Minn., said she was touched by the nostalgic narrative of James Agee and mesmerized by Barber's rhapsodic melody. The work reminded of her childhood with lightning bugs, cloud pictures, smells of bread and cooking, and neighborhood gossip.

She hopes that this music sparks childhood memories of home for all who listen.

May will also sing music of George Gershwin, Jerome Kern, Richard Rodgers, and Irving Berlin. An audience sing-along of Berlin's "God Bless America" will close the program.

May has been a regular guest soloist with the Cannon Valley Regional Orchestra for more than 20 years. She has sung professionally with many groups including the St. Paul Chamber Orchestra and churches throughout the Twin Cities.

Under the direction of Paul Niemisto since 1979, the Cannon Valley Regional Orchestra draws players from a wide area including Red Wing. They are experienced amateurs who play for the love of orchestral music.

More information about the Kenyon-Wanamingo concert, call 507-789-6186. Visit www.cvrorchestra.org for more information on the orchestra.

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