Tuscaloosa Symphony Opens Season With ‘We the People’

The Tuscaloosa Symphony Orchestra will open its 2026-27 season with a concert exploring the music, voices and ideals that have helped shape the United States.

“We the People” will be presented Monday, Sept. 14, at 7 p.m. at Moody Concert Hall as the country marks 250 years. Music Director Adam Flatt will lead the Tuscaloosa Symphony Orchestra through an all-American program spanning music inspired by the Revolutionary era through the 20th century.

Tuscaloosa Symphony Orchestra

The concert will open with William Schuman’s “New England Triptych,” which draws from the music of Revolutionary-era composer William Billings. The work incorporates early American hymns, including “Chester,” a song once closely associated with the cause of American independence.

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Tuscaloosa native Willie E. Williams Jr. will then join the orchestra as narrator for Aaron Copland’s “A Lincoln Portrait.” The piece incorporates words from Abraham Lincoln’s speeches and writings while exploring themes including democracy, freedom, sacrifice and citizenship.

The Alabama Choir School, directed by Leah Keyes Durham, will also join the Tuscaloosa Symphony Orchestra for the opening works of the evening.

The concert will conclude with Charles Ives’ “Symphony No. 2,” which combines elements of hymns, folk songs, patriotic music and European symphonic traditions. Audiences may recognize portions of familiar tunes including “America the Beautiful,” “Camptown Races” and “Turkey in the Straw.”

“We the People” launches a season that will also include “Into the Light,” “Classical Conversation,” “Gershwin Greats” and the annual Young Person’s Concerts. Other scheduled performances include “Home Alone in Concert” at the Mercedes-Benz Amphitheater and “CONTACT!” featuring Time for Three.

Tickets and additional season information are available through the Tuscaloosa Symphony Orchestra website or by calling 205-752-5515.