Dancing Across America
Saturday, March 13, 2027 // 7:30 PM
Wesley Schulz, Music Director Candidate
We continue the season with Dancing Across America, conducted by Wesley Schulz, a program celebrating the irresistible connection between music and movement. From the soulful inspiration of Come Sunday by Thomas to the jazz-infused streetscapes of An American in Paris by Gershwin, this program highlights the rhythms and traditions that have shaped American musical life. The orchestra also brings to life the iconic dances of West Side Story by Bernstein, whose vibrant score blends jazz, Latin rhythms, and Broadway energy. The evening concludes with the fiery melodies and irresistible pulse of Danzón No. 2 by Márquez, bringing this electrifying celebration of dance to a thrilling close.
Featured Repertoire
Omar Thomas
Jennifer Higdon
George Gershwin
Arturo Marquez
Leonard Bernstein
Come Sunday
Amazing Grace
An American in Paris
Danzón No. 2
Symphonic Dances from West Side Story
Wesley Schulz, Music Director Candidate
Wesley Schulz is Music Director and Conductor of the Auburn Symphony Orchestra (WA) and was formerly the Associate Conductor of the North Carolina Symphony. As a guest conductor, Schulz has appeared with the Seattle, Utah, Austin, Tallahassee, Canton, Williamsburg, Greenville, Richmond (IN), Waco, and Bozeman Symphony Orchestras among many others. Additionally, Schulz is Principal Guest Conductor at the Pacific Northwest Ballet having led productions such as Prokofiev’s Romeo and Juliet as well as annual performances of Tchaikovsky’s The Nutcracker. Schulz has collaborated with some of the most dynamic musical artists of our time, including Tessa Lark, Leslie Odom Jr, John Williams, Philippe Quint, Bella Hristova, Rachel Lee Priday, Richard Lin, Pink Martini, Randall Goosby, Cirque de la Symphonie, Amos Lee, and many more. When not on the podium, Schulz enjoys CrossFit, snowboarding, cooking, and playing endless fetch with his two dogs, Chewbacca and Han Solo.