America 250! An Interview with Composer Gwyneth Walker
The Lake Forest Civic Orchestra is excited to perform Gwyneth Walker’s new composition “America 250!” on October 5, 2025, at 4 pm, at the John & Nancy Hughes Theater in Lake Forest’s Gorton Center. This is the opening concert of its 37th season, themed “Postcards from America.” Widely performed throughout the country, the music of Dr. Walker is beloved by performers and audiences alike for its energy, beauty, reverence, drama, and humor. A former faculty member of the Oberlin College Conservatory, she resigned from academic employment to pursue a career as a full-time composer. Here is an excerpt from a recent interview with the composer.
Q: Your new piece “America 250!” is written for an upcoming anniversary for the United States, reflected in its title. What inspirations are behind the composition?
With America’s 250th anniversary coming up in 2026, I have received various anniversary commissions for new music…. In the case of “America 250!” this celebration is inspired by our colorful American folk song legacy. US history is documented in well-known ballads which most audiences will recognize and enjoy!
Q: “America 250!” draws upon popular folk tunes, including “Yankee Doodle” and “Fifteen Miles on the Erie Canal.” What should we know about these hardy tunes?
Our topics here start with “Yankee Doodle,” a song from pre-Revolutionary War times. The tune was originally a song which the British sang in the 1700s in mockery of the rag-tag Colonials. Yet, these very same Colonials returned the favor by marching to the tune as the British Army retreated!
Q: Please tell us a bit about the decision to have a piccolo cadenza at the end of the first movement!
Originally, this was a fife and drum marching tune. For our orchestral rendition, we use a piccolo and a military drum. Featuring the piccolo in the opening section led to an appropriate piccolo cadenza at the end!
Q: And the second and third movement?
“Bound for the Promised Land” is an additional tune from our American past (a more serious one). It as a mournful song that perhaps suggests hope that the unexplored American West will be our promised land. Listen for gentle tapping on the cymbal representing footsteps on the journey.
“Fifteen Miles” introduces one of the most beloved of US folklore characters, a mule named Sal. Her efforts were essential to 19th century travel from Albany to Buffalo. Listen for a special mule bell to remind us of her presence!
Q: The Lake Forest Civic Orchestra performed your composition “Music Alone Shall Live” a year ago at our New Beginnings concert. (To hear a recording of that performance, go to lakeforestcivicorchestra.org and search past performances under the About tab.) What makes you enjoy working with community orchestras like ours?
Composing music for full orchestra affords the composer delightful choices of instrumental colors. This exploration is a worthy endeavor just as is. But composing for a community orchestra adds an extra dimension of joy and enthusiasm which can bring the music to life in a personal manner. This is greatly appreciated by me!
Please join us for the concert!
