Celebrate America at 250 with a Pulitzer Prize–winning work, and an AMFS co-commission!

The incomparable Yuja Wang, an AMFS alumna, takes on Barber’s dazzling and demanding piano concerto, arguably the greatest work in the genre by an American composer. The New York Times review of the 1962 premiere offered high praise, saying, “This is a real virtuoso concerto, with some staggeringly difficult writing. It also has a strong sense of melodic profile, a lyric slow movement and a sense of confidence in the entire conception...” The piece won a Pulitzer Prize in 1963, Barber’s second.

David Lang’s oratorio the wealth of nations was co-commissioned by the Aspen Music Festival and School and received its premiere in March with the New York Philharmonic. Inspired by economist Adam Smith’s 1776 magnum opus, Lang dramatizes this foundational work about economics as inspired by Handel’s treatment of Biblical texts in the Messiah. “I want this work to be enjoyable and thought-provoking,” says Lang, “encouraging audiences to consider what we truly value.” 

BARBER: Piano Concerto, op. 38
---
DAVID LANG: the wealth of nations (AMFS Co-Commission)