White House Cantata
Dr. Andre J. Thomas, conductor
We close our 30th anniversary season with a spirited work by America’s great composer, Leonard Bernstein, whose centenary is celebrated in 2018. Bernstein’s White House Cantata is a concert adaptation of his controversial 1976 Broadway musical 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue, which he co-wrote with Alan Jay Lerner. A musical commentary on the first century of American presidents, with the White House as the central symbol, the music is lively, containing elements of blues, calypso, Dixieland, waltzes, hymns, spirituals, marches and barbershop harmonies. The theme song, “Take Care of This House,” was adapted from Abigail Adams’ famous blessing on the White House and all who would inhabit it. Reviewers of the time characterized the music as some of the best Bernstein ever wrote. A political piece for a political town, White House Cantata will be performed in Tallahassee for the first time. The Chorus will perform this timely piece with orchestra and guest soloists.
