Robert Mann Photo by Charles AbbottNew York City composers of the mid-20th century sought to define a new American sensibility in orchestral music. The abstract works of Robert Mann, the legendary founder of the Juilliard Quartet, and Jacob Druckman explored the possibilities of orchestral color and sound. Vivian Fine and William Schuman brought their compositional craft to the classical tradition of orchestral music. Their works are marked by vitality, brilliance, and structural clarity.

Leon Botstein shares the stories behind the music in a lively 30-minute Conductor’s Notes Q&A at 7 PM in Stern Auditorium/Perelman Stage. Free for all ticket holders.