The way the Brandywine Valley Symphony’s commissioned patriotic piece for America250, An American Dream by Iowa composer Aaron Fullan, came about was “a genuine serendipity,” in words of Symphony Vice President Colin Hanna.
The piece will debut at the Symphony’s annual concert at Longwood Gardens on June 25 at 7:30 p.m., capping months of work that began, fittingly, with a chance encounter.
Hanna had the idea for a new medley of patriotic songs to honor America’s 250th anniversary at the Symphony’s annual concert at Longwood Gardens, but he had no idea how to create one.
He thought the anniversary provided a unique opportunity to present songs that covered the entire 250 year span and present them in chronological order of their composition. He confirmed that no such medley exists.
Hanna casually mentioned his idea to a stranger seated next to him at a dinner in Washington, who immediately responded “I’ve got the guy who can do it! — Aaron Fullan.”
The following Monday, Hanna called Fullan. “Within a half of hour of our discussion, I decided Aaron was indeed the person,” Hanna said.
“We began a fairly detailed discussion. I listed 12 patriotic songs and suggested they be arranged in chronological order, building to a patriotic crescendo of Lee Greenwood’s God Bless the USA, better known by many as Proud to be an American.”
Fullan was delighted with Hanna’s concept as the proposed arrangement fit the style of one of Fullan’s favorite composers and conductors, John Williams.
Fullan said, “Williams is the reason I started composing for films.” The Boston Globe called Williams “the most successful composer of film music in the history of the medium.”
Fullan’s path to becoming a composer was unconventional in many ways.
“I began piano lessons in second grade and I loved it. Most kids complain about practicing but I really wanted to do so. I would sit for hours and write things down and compose. I was not thinking I would be a film composer. When my peers were buying pop albums that were in vogue, I purchased film soundtracks.”
Fullan’s passion for composing was clear from an early age. “I’m from a small Iowa town of about 26,000 people. It’s not known for film or the arts in general but I knew I didn’t want to go to California or New York City. Fullan married and stayed in Clinton, Iowa.”
“I went to Emmaus Bible College in Dubuque, Iowa, and majored in music ministry,” Fullan said. “I loved going to school there. I had one semester of composition in college. That was enough for me to say that this is what I wanted to do with my career.”
The Board of the Brandywine Valley Symphony approved the commission, and the process began in earnest. Several months later, Fullan delivered his composition, and on his first listening, Hanna said it brought him to tears. “It is just perfect: exactly what I was hoping for!”“
The performance at Longwood Gardens on June 25 will be entirely focused on celebrating America.
It will include Dvorak’s New World Symphony and works by John Williams, Aaron Copland, Leonard Bernstein, Florence Price and George Gershwin.
“It will be a concert that is bursting with joy, rhythm, and spirit. This is the music that captures the energy and soul of America,” said Dr. Timothy Blair, President of the Brandywine Valley Symphony.
To enjoy the evening, purchase tickets at Brandywine Valley Symphony’s homepage. The cost is $65.00 for adults and $20.00 for students and children. The tickets include all-day admission to Longwood Gardens.
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