Last Dance at the Surf
Anne Akiko Meyers, Albany Symphony, David Alan Miller
This recording presents three moving new works by Grammy Award-winning American composer Michael Daugherty that explore the triumphs and tragedies of aviation. "Blue Electra" is a dramatic violin concerto inspired by the sensational life and mysterious disappearance of aviation pioneer Amelia Earhart in 1937. "Last Dance at the Surf" is a one-movement dance symphony for orchestra that commemorates the final performance of rock 'n' roll legend Buddy Holly at the Surf Ballroom in Iowa in 1959 and his tragic death in a plane crash shortly thereafter. "To the New World" celebrates the Apollo 11 moon mission in 1969 and Neil Armstrong's historic moon walk. Under the direction of conductor David Alan Miller, the Albany Symphony is joined by Grammy-winning vocalist Anne Akiko Meyers, who performs "Blue Electra" with electrifying musicality and emotion. Grammy winner David Alan Miller has built a reputation as one of the most prominent American conductors of his generation. By commissioning and recording new orchestral works and by engaging in innovative educational and outreach activities, Miller has cemented the reputation of the Albany Symphony as one of the leading orchestras for American symphonic music and one of the most innovative orchestras in the country.
