2 PM “Notes from the Composer” with Marcus Roberts, Robert Spano, Ken Meltzer

The seventh consecutive SMF appearance by the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra (ASO), under the direction of conductor Robert Spano, features an extraordinary program of modern American music including the world premiere of a new piano concerto for jazz trio by Marcus Roberts, co-commissioned by the ASO and SMF, and performed by Mr. Roberts and his trio. Leonard Bernstein's “Symphonic Dances” from West Side Story and Christopher Theofanidis’ “Rainbow Body” (commissioned by the ASO) round out this unprecedented production.

nbsp;“The ASO performed with a solid, warm tone… and contributed an extra dollop of vigor where the focus was on the superb cast.” –The New York Times

 “Marcus Roberts draws few distinctions between the playful and the professorial. As a pianist, bandleader and composer-arranger he balances erudition against reserves of charisma and wit.” –The New York Times