Sym for Orch & Rustic Suite No. 1 / Poem

Fernando Lopes-Graca was one of the most prolific Portuguese composers of the 20th century. His use of Portuguese folk-music to forge a personal style is represented in the Suite RUstica No. 1. More sombre moods are expressed in the dark atmosphere of December Poem, which contrasts with the extrovert Festival March. Neo-classical in it's extended structures and thematic development, Lopes-Graca's award-winning Symphony maintains an unmistakable connection with the colors and textures of his nation to create music of great expressive and dramatic depth. Ulvaro Cassuto is Portugal's foremost conductor. A recipient of the Koussevitzky Prize among many other honors, he has enjoyed a career of high international acclaim. He has been a frequent guest of many leading orchestras, including the London Symphony, the Royal Philharmonic, the London Philharmonic, the Philadelphia Orchestra, and dozens of others across the world.