Variations on a Song by Woody Guthrie
David Amram and the Symphony Silicon Valley Orchestra

David Amram premiered his new orchestral suite Variations on a Song by Woody Guthrie with the Symphony Silicon Valley Orchestra with two performances on  September 29th and October 1st . Conducted by Paul Polivnick, the premier celebrated the opening of the orchestra's new season and took place at the beautifully restored historic  California Theater in downtown San Jose.

The new work, commissioned by Woody Guthrie Publications, was created as a tribute to Woody's vision of America and reflects and celebrates the history and diversity of America's citizenry, the many people that Woody encountered on the roads he traveled. Attending the premier were Guthrie family members Nora and Joady Guthrie, along with their spouses, children and cousins, and David Amram's daughter Alana.

We congratulate David Amram for this historic musical landmark, and thank him for creating a work that we know will be a breathe of fresh air in the classical repetoire. It will endure for generations to come. We also congratulate Andrew Bales, director of the orchestra, and thank him for including this innovative work in his season opening.

Photo Gallery
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Paul Polivnick leading the Symphony Silicon Valley Orchestra
David Amram with the symphony score	Paul Polivnick and David Amram
Nora Guthrie, Paul Polivnick, and David Amram	Nora Guthrie, Paul Polivnick, and David Amram
Joady Guthrie, Andrew Bales, Nora Guthrie and David Amram	David Amram, Nora Guthrie, and Joady Guthrie