Symphony No.1

Peter Boyer is one of the most frequently performed American orchestral composers of his generation, widely admired not least for his GRAMMY®-nominated 'Ellis Island: The Dream of America' (Naxos 8.559246). The composer writes, "The five works included on this recording represent a cross-section of my orchestral music. 'Three Olympians' reflects my interest in mythology and history. Often I have received invitations to compose music for celebratory concerts, and three of the works included here -- 'Silver Fanfare,' 'Festivities' and 'Celebration Overture' -- were created for such occasions." Symphony No. 1 is a lyrical and rhythmically charged work, dedicated to the memory of Leonard Bernstein. "My brother Alexander, sister Nina, and I are very touched that Peter Boyer has dedicated his Symphony No. 1 to our father. I know how deeply Peter relates to the music of Leonard Bernstein, as well as to the humanitarian spirit that infuses so many Bernstein compositions. It's gratifying indeed to see our father's influence touching succeeding generations, and continuing to make an impact on our world. We salute Peter, and wish his symphony well!" -- Jamie Bernstein