On Fri., Nov. 20, 2009 fifth graders at Hulsing and Farrand Elementary Schools will get a rare visit by the Pulitzer Prize-winning composer, Joseph Schwantner. The renowned American composer will lead educational workshops as part of the Ford Made in America program. The fifth graders can't wait to hear, firsthand, about his new work, "Chasing Light".

"Chasing Light" is based on an original poem by the composer and inspired by a winter sunrise right outside his home in the southern New Hampshire hills. According to National Public Radio, Schwantner said it was a challenging piece and took eight months to compose. "Chasing Light" will make the Michigan premiere at the "Chasing Lincoln" concert on Sat., Nov. 21, 2009 at 7:30 p.m. It will be performed by the Plymouth-Canton Symphony Orchestra, as led by Music Director and Conductor, Nan Washburn. This Americana concert will honor the Lincoln Bicentennial and will perform Copland's "Lincoln Portrait", along with Narrator, Narendra Sheth.

According to Hulsing Elementary School's music teacher, Lawrene Rocheleau, the fifth graders are also composing music, based on their own poems, and hope to present it to Schwantner during the workship. To prepare for this, the students were instructed on writing Haiku poetry. The students are currently working on the last steps, which are to play and record their new compositions. They will sing, play the piano or use basic unpitched instruments such as drums, bells, chimes or egg shakers.

The "Chasing Lincoln" concert will be performed at the Village Theatre, in Canton. Admission is $25 for adults, $20 for seniors and $10 for students. Tickets may be purchased at the Plymouths Arts Center, 774 N. Sheldon Road, Plymouth, MI 48170 or at www.plymouthsymphony.org

 Plymouth Canton Symphony Orchestra
http://www.plymouthsymphony.org

Contact: Plymouth Arts Center
Phone: (734) 451-2112