Dayton Performing Arts Alliance

An American Portrait: Gershwin, Barber & Beyond

Mar 6 & Mar 7, 2026

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Schuster Center

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Description

This electrifying program celebrates the bold sounds and unmistakable spirit of American music. Gershwin’s “An American In Paris” brims with jazzy swagger, while Adams’ “Absolute Jest” spins Beethoven into a playful whirlwind. Barber’s “Adagio For Strings” offers a moment of breathtaking beauty, and Still’s “Afro-American” symphony blends classical tradition with the soul of the blues in a powerful tale of resilience and joy.

Poiesis Quartet
Keitaro Harada, conductor
Dayton Philharmonic Orchestra

George Gershwin: “An American In Paris”
John Adams: “Absolute Jest”
Samuel Barber: “Adagio For Strings”
William Grant Still: Symphony No. 1, “Afro-American”

Age Recommendation

All audience members must have a ticket, regardless of age. For the consideration of all patrons, children on laps and/or babes in arms are not permitted at most Dayton Performing Arts Alliance presentations.

Accessibility

Sign interpretation and/or audio description available upon request. Please let the ticket agent know at least two weeks before the performance if you would like either of these services when you order your tickets from Dayton Live. Please understand that while we will make every effort to make reasonable accommodations, certain requests may not be able to be honored.

For detailed accessibility information, including seating, audio, and sign interpretation please visit our Accessibility page.

Parking

The Arts Garage, on the northwest corner of Second and Ludlow Streets, open for all performances at the Schuster Center and Victoria Theatre. The Arts Garage is owned and operated by Dayton Live, so parking there actually helps support the arts venues used by all our great arts organizations. For more parking information, visit our Directions & Parking page.

Ticket Information

Dayton Live is the only outlet authorized to sell tickets to events at the Schuster Center, Victoria Theatre, PNC Arts Annex, and The Loft Theatre. For this event, Dayton Performing Arts Alliance has been authorized to sell tickets within the scope of Dayton Live’s ticketing processes and procedures. To learn more about Season Tickets, gift certificates, and Ticket Office hours, call 937-228-3630 or visit DaytonLive.org.