Album insights
Daniel Hope, known for his innovative programming and probing interpretive style, has been lauded by The New York Times for his successful solo career. His latest album, "America," delves into the diverse landscape of American music through stunning new arrangements of classical and jazz pieces by notable composers like George Gershwin, Aaron Copland, Leonard Bernstein, Kurt Weill, Florence Price, Duke Ellington, Sam Cooke, and Samuel A. Ward. Accompanied by the Zurich Chamber Orchestra and outstanding guest musicians including soul singer Joy Denalane and renowned jazz pianist Marcus Roberts, Hope showcases his deep connection to American culture. As the artistic director of the New Century Chamber Orchestra in San Francisco, Hope brings forth a unique musical experience showcasing a variety of captivating works. Hope notes a rising movement aiming to revive and rediscover Afro-American composers like Florence Price and William Grant Still, expressing a commitment to unveiling the untold narratives of other talented composers in the process. Roberts reinforces the sentiment, highlighting how American music reflects the nation's essence of adaptability and continuous reinvention. The musical dialogue between jazz and classical genres shines brilliantly in their collaborative performance on this record, capturing the essence of their compelling musical partnership throughout the years.