In the spring of 1921, ordinary people did something extraordinary.
Early Anchorage residents, united by a desire to create art and entertain, formed the Anchorage Choral Society and produced Anchorage’s first full-length classical concert, A Longfellow Evening, at the Empress Theatre on April 11, 1921— just five
months after the city was incorporated. Join the Anchorage Festival of Music as we mark the 100th
anniversary of Anchorage’s first classical music concert with
two celebratory events!
First, register for a free, virtual pre-concert lecture hosted by the Cook Inlet Historical Society on Sunday, April 11 at 4pm. On the exact centenary, Anchorage Festival of Music’s Artistic Director, Laura Koenig, presents the story behind the
concert and the remarkable biographies of the original performers told through newly discovered historical images, archival documents, and family recollections. The presentation will also feature modern performers describing their 1921 counterparts
and the challenges of recreating this groundbreaking concert.
Pre-registration is required to attend the lecture.
Register for Pre-Concert Lecture
Next, enjoy the show! Modern-day Anchorage performers and special guests will re-enact the entire concert just as it was presented in 1921. View A Re-enactment and Celebration of Anchorage’s First Classical Music Concert on AFM’s YouTube.
Enjoy the concert any time starting April 11.
