Allegro Orchestra Lancaster

Another feature on our Stars & Stripes Forever concert is the rousing “American Salute” by Morton Gould.

Morton Gould (1913-1996) was a composer, arranger, conductor, and pianist. Born in Richmond Hill, NY, he was recognized as an early child prodigy with strong abilities in improvisation and composition. His first composition was published at age six, and as a teenager during the Depression, he worked in NYC playing the piano in movie theaters and to accompany vaudville acts. He was hired as the first staff pianist for Radio City Music Hall when it opened in 1932 and just three years later was conducting and arranging orchestral programs for New York’s WOR radio station. He would go on to compose for Broadway, and was commissioned by symphony orchestras all over the U.S., as well as by the Library of Congress, The Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center, the American Ballet Theatre, and the New York City Ballet.

We’ll continue our composer spotlights all week! Check back to learn more about these great American composers!