Ridgefield Symphony to premiere Frucht’s “A More Perfect Union,” based on Obama speeches

“Cody Keenan served as the White House director of speechwriting during President Barack Obama’s second term … [making him] an ideal candidate to assist Ridgefield Symphony Orchestra composer Paul Frucht in developing ‘A More Perfect Union,’ ” writes Alyssa Seidman in Wednesday’s (9/29) Ridgefield Press (Ridgefield, CT). “The song cycle … based on six speeches from Obama’s presidency … will debut at RSO’s season kickoff on Saturday—the ensemble’s first concert in almost 20 months…. The six speeches referenced in the symphony are: A More Perfect Union; Obama’s first inaugural address; an address to the American Medical Association; an address to the nation on U.S. military action in Syria; an address on the 50th anniversary of Bloody Sunday in Selma, Ala.; and a eulogy for the late Rev. Clementa Pinckney in Charleston, S.C. … ‘As a composer, you want to make an audience member think more deeply or feel something about a (certain) moment in their lives,’ Frucht said, ‘and I hope that this piece does that.’ ”