VocalEssence sings Copland

For all his fame and recognition, Aaron Copland is generally defined by two works: "Applachian Spring" and "Fanfare for the Common Man." VocalEssence will probe a little deeper into the Copland canon Saturday in a concert at Ted Mann Concert Hall. The choral group will bring along dancers from James Sewell Ballet and Apple Valley's Eastview High School Concert Choir to perform Copland's opera "The Second Hurricane" and his choral work "In the Beginning."

Copland began work on "The Second Hurricane" in 1936 with the idea that he would involve high school students and adults. He had, to that point, never written an opera. Orson Welles, then in his young-phenom stage, produced the work at the Henry Street Settlement House, a social-assistance facility for immigrants and the poor in New York.

"It was the first time he'd used an American folk song in one of his pieces," said Philip Brunelle of VocalEssence. "It's the first important work by an American composer written specifically for young people."

Penny Freeh choreographed work for dancers to accompany "In the Beginning," which Copland wrote for a capella singers. Adriana Zabala, a mezzo soprano who sang the title character in "Pinocchio" for Minnesota Opera last season, will join the singers. The text is taken from the book of Genesis.

Sewell also has choreographed a performance, "Life's Simple Gifts: A Song & Dance Cycle," accompanied by the melodies of Copland's "Old American Songs."

All groups will join on "The Promise of Living" from the 1952 opera "The Tender Land."

Copland, who died in 1990, guest conducted during VocalEssence's first season in 1970. VocalEssence recorded "The Tender Land" for Virgin Classics in 1990.