The Akron Symphony will open its new season with Beethoven’s 9th Symphony on September 29 at EJ Thomas Hall. The evening will also include the Akron premiere of Jerod Tate’s Clans from Lowak Shoppala’. The piece will include narration by Akron’s Dr. LaDonna Blue Eye, a citizen of the Choctaw Nation, and Jerod will be the guest conductor.
In this episode, we sit down with Music Director Christopher Wilkins and composer Jerod Tate to discuss his distinguished career, his inspirations, and Lowak Shoppala’, which is a work that expresses Chickasaw identity through the medium of modern classical music and theatre.
Jerod is a dedicated American Indian classical composer and pianist who expresses his native culture in symphonic music, ballet and opera. All of his compositions have been commissioned by major North American orchestras, ensembles and organizations and his works are performed throughout the world. Learn more about Jerod’s work at jerodtate.com.
The Akron Symphony Orchestra, along with the Akron Symphony Chorus, will present Beethoven’s 9th Symphony and Jerod Tate’s Clans from Lowak Shoppala’ on September 29, 7:30 pm, at EJ Thomas Hall. The Preview from the Podium begins at 6:30 pm. Tickets are available at akronsymphony.org.
