Lousiville Orchestra: “Sounds of a New Nation”: Charles Ives: New England Holidays and Mozart’s 9th Piano Concerto: Feb 20 & 21

Louisville Orchestra

Sounds of a New Nation
Jonathan Biss, piano

Friday, February 20, 2026 | 11:00 AM *** Midday Event! 

Baird Coffee Series
(Runtime: 1 hour 30 minutes)

Saturday, February 21, 2026 | 7:30 PM

Brown-Forman Foundation Series
(Runtime: 2 hours)

Whitney Hall at The Kentucky Center
Tickets available through the Louisville Orchestra

The Louisville Orchestra explores the soundscape of early America in a program that reflects the spirit, struggle, and celebration of a young nation.

Pianist Jonathan Biss brings elegance and brilliance to Mozart’s Piano Concerto No. 9 in E-flat Major, K. 271 — composed in 1777, the same year the United States declared independence. One of Mozart’s most innovative early concertos, the work combines youthful energy with striking emotional depth.

The program frames Mozart within an American perspective. William Billings’ patriotic anthem Chester and William Schuman’s orchestral reimagining from New England Triptych anchor the Revolutionary spirit, while Charles Ives’ monumental New England Holidays captures the layered, exuberant character of American celebration and memory.

Program

William Billings: Chester †

William Schuman: New England Triptych — III. Chester †

Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart: Piano Concerto No. 9 in E-flat Major, K. 271
    I. Allegro
    II. Andantino
    III. Rondo: Presto
    Jonathan Biss, piano

Charles Ives: New England Holidays
    I. Washington’s Birthday
    II. Decoration Day
    III. The Fourth of July
    IV. Thanksgiving and Forefathers’ Day