NatPhil—Postcards from America

NatPhil—Postcards from America brings the National Philharmonic to Strathmore for an evening of orchestral and vocal works celebrating the American musical landscape. Under the baton of conductor Daniel Hege, the program weaves together iconic pieces by Copland, Tower, Barber, Gershwin, and Márquez, with soprano Danielle Talamantes starring in several selections. The concert offers a broad emotional range, from the nostalgic warmth of a Southern summer evening to the exuberant dance rhythms of Veracruz, all framed as a musical postcard of American life.

The program opens with Joan Tower's Made in America, which reimagines the familiar melody of "America the Beautiful" as both an affectionate tribute and a searching examination of the country. Samuel Barber's Knoxville: Summer of 1915 sets James Agee's prose to music, painting a child's-eye view of an idyllic Southern twilight, sung here by Talamantes. She also performs George Gershwin's beloved songs The Man I Love and Love Is Here to Stay, bringing their charm to the stage. Aaron Copland's sweeping Appalachian Spring Suite follows, evoking pioneer life and including the famous Shaker hymn "Simple Gifts." The concert closes with Arturo Márquez's Danzón No. 2, a vibrant and electrifying piece inspired by the dance halls of Veracruz that ends the evening on a joyful, high-energy note.

When: Saturday, November 7, 2026, at 7:30pm.

Venue: Strathmore, The Music Center.

Tickets: Purchase through the NatPhil website; Strathmore does not handle ticketing for this performance. Pricing is not listed on the event page, so check NatPhil's site for current ticket prices.

Note: This event is not presented by Strathmore, and tickets are exempt from Strathmore's refund and exchange policy.

Conductor: Daniel Hege.

Featured Performer: Danielle Talamantes, soprano.

Program: Joan Tower – Made in America; Samuel Barber – Knoxville: Summer of 1915, op. 24; George Gershwin – The Man I Love; George Gershwin – Love Is Here to Stay; Aaron Copland – Appalachian Spring: Suite; Arturo Márquez – Danzón No. 2.

Run time: Not specified.

Age restrictions: Not specified.

Accessibility: Not specified in the event listing.