Broome Arts Mirror, By Barb Van Atta, October 27th, 2026
“Simple Gifts, Sacred braise,” the second concert in the Binghamton Philharmonic Orchestra’s Symphonic Series will feature Aaron Copland’s Appalachian Spring and Ludwig van Beethoven’s Mass in C Major, Opus 86. The performance, conducted by Philharmonic Music Director Daniel Hege, will be at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 14, at the Broome County Forum Theatre, 236 Washington St., Binghamton.
Few works capture the sound and spirit of 20th century American music as vividly as Appalachian Spring (1944), which began as a ballet with choreography by the pioneering modern dancer Martha Graham. Graham’s distinctive style and interest in American themes shaped the ballet’s dramatic concept.
Throughout the work’s 25-minute duration, listen for open harmonies, folk-inspired melodies and the gradual unfolding of variations on the Shaker tune “Simple Gifts.”
Appalachian Spring received the 1945 Pulitzer Prize for Music.
While Beethoven is best known for his symphonies and instrumental music, his sacred compositions reveal a deeply personal dimension of his artistry. The Mass in C, composed in 1807, stands as one of his most important early contributions to sacred music and reflects his evolving musical voice during a period of artistic transformation.
Though initially overshadowed by the later and more monumental Missa Solemnis, the 45-minute Mass in C Major has gained increasing recognition for its lyrical beauty and emotional directness. It reveals Beethoven at a pivotal moment in his career, bridging Classical traditions inherited from Haydn and Mozart with the expressive intensity that would define his mature works.
The Philharmonic’s performance will feature Sarah Fleiss, soprano; Samuel Higgins, countertenor; Landry Allen, tenor, Patrick Wilhelm, baritone. All four vocal soloists are appearing by special arrangement with Curtis Artist Management at the Curtis Institute of Music in Philadelphia.
Also performing will be the Southern Tier Singers’ Collective and the Binghamton University Chamber Singers. William Culverhouse is chorus master of both ensembles.
Tickets range from $29 to $75. Ages 17 and under get in for free, courtesy of M&T Bank, sponsor of the Symphonic Series. Half-price student rush tickets are available at the door only (must show student ID).
Visit binghamtonphilharmonic.org, or call 607-723-3931. Free children’s tickets must be ordered by phone.
A sensory room is available for parents with young children or those with sensory sensitivities. The room offers a live video/audio feed of the concert in a quiet, low-sensory environment.
Note: There is no pre-concert chat prior to this performance.