Across America (Pixel Pops 3)

Andrew Lane, conductor
Michelle Amato, vocal
Bryan Harden, vocal

Saturday, May 16, 7:30 p.m., Van Wezel

Pack your bags for a musical road trip across America! Our journey kicks off with Aaron Copland’s stirring Fanfare for the Common Man. Along the way, we’ll pay tribute to a star-studded list of Kennedy Center honorees, including Copland, Richard Rodgers, Ella Fitzgerald, Count Basie, Johnny Cash, and Tony Bennett. America’s scenic grandeur is showcased in a specially commissioned video which will premiere during the majestic finale of Copland’s Third Symphony. In honor of Armed Forces Day, the Orchestra will also present a special salute to our brave men and women in uniform. Special guest vocalists Michelle Amato and Bryan Harden lend their extraordinary talents to this celebration of the American spirit.

About Michelle Amato

The Sarasota Orchestra is proud to welcome award-winning vocalist Michelle Amato back to the stage. Ms. Amato, who holds a Master’s Degree from the University of Miami School of Music, has performed and recorded with a diverse array of artists including Liza Minelli, Jon Secada, Al Green, Sandi Patti, Jon Hendricks, Donna Summer, Michael McDonald, Celia Cruz, and Rita Marley. Most recently, she has been recording and touring with world-renowned composer Yanni. Her solo work can be heard on his latest CD, “Ethnicity”, and she’ll be featured on his upcoming video, “Yanni Live.”

About Bryan Harden

Bryan Harden has spent much of his twenty-five year career in the music business “behind the scenes,” as a session singer in Los Angeles, Indianapolis, Chicago, Orlando and Memphis. At EPCOT Center, Bryan worked as a vocal director and performer for “The Voices of Liberty,” Disney’s premiere a capella ensemble. He has also served as a vocal consultant for clients including Disney Cruise Lines Entertainment, EPCOT Entertainment, Disney’s MGM Studios, and Warner Brothers Publishing. Mr. Harden continues to travel nationwide as a singer, consultant, vocal clinician and adjudicator.