"Appalachian Spring" in concert Sunday evening June 8

The Ocean State has a rare chance to see an American treasure performed live -- Aaron Copland's "Appalachian Spring", with the beloved Shaker hymn tune "Simple Gifts" at its heart.

Music on the Hill presents "Appalachian Spring" on Sunday, June 8 at 7:00pm. Leading the chamber orchestra of 13 is acclaimed conductor Edward Markward, whose distinguished career includes leadership of Rhode Island Civic Chorale and Orchestra, Chamber Orchestra of Barrington, and RI College's orchestra programs.

The concert also features John Williams' "Air & Simple Gifts", the first piece of chamber music commissioned and performed for a presidential inauguration (2009), and Mark O'Connor's soulful "Appalachia Waltz". Genre-bending violinist Sarah Whitney will offer an electric loop pedal violin set, weaving traditional American tunes to approach the sound of a full orchestra.

The concert opens with a special performance by Jack Paiva, the 17-year-old pianist who won Music on the Hill's 2025 scholarship.

Join Music on the Hill at Immaculate Conception, 237 Garden Hills Drive, Cranston, 7:00 pm Sunday June 8. Tickets are $30, free for students with I.D. Tickets available online HERE, or at the door with cash or check.

Meet the ensemble:

Anton Miller, Sarah Whitney, Liana Zaretsky, Kimberly Fang, violins; Rita Porfiris, Sebastian Ruth, violas; Elisa Kohanski, Trevor Handy, cellos; John Pellegrino, bass; Anthony Trionfo, flute; Daniel Gilbert, clarinet; Ellen Connors, bassoon; Donna Lee, piano; Edward Markward, conductor. Scholarship spotlight, Jack Paiva, piano