In this episode of Galesburg’s Morning News, we welcome Steve Duchrow, an actor narrating Aaron Copland’s "Lincoln Portrait", and Steve Jackson, operations manager of the Knox-Galesburg Symphony, to discuss the timeless masterpiece uniting Abraham Lincoln, Carl Sandburg, and Aaron Copland. Duchrow explores the improbable collaboration of these American icons, each rising from humble beginnings to create a uniquely American work born from the tragedies of Lincoln’s assassination and Pearl Harbor. He shares insights from his research in Sandburg’s archives, revealing the poet’s advocacy for the “lowly” and Lincoln’s enduring words. Jackson highlights the Knox-Galesburg Symphony’s upcoming performance on Sept. 27, at the Orpheum Theatre, emphasizing its power to inspire unity today. The episode also previews Duchrow’s library presentation at 11 a.m. on Saturday, Aug. 23, offering a deep dive into the historical and artistic significance of "Lincoln Portrait".
The Knox-Galesburg Symphony performs "Lincoln Portrait" and "Fanfare for the Common Man" at 7 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 27 at the Orpheum Theatre (tickets at galesburgorpheum.org).
Duchrow’s presentation, “Lincoln, Sandburg, Copland: How Did Three Unlikely American Giants Make Musical History?”, is set for 11 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 23 at the Galesburg Public Library.
