Poetry in Music

Orchestral works inspired by literature and poetry take the stage in this outdoor concert presented by Orchestra Miami at Pinecrest Gardens. The performance takes place Sunday, April 19, as part of the organization’s Pinecrest Classical series, blending narrative storytelling with symphonic composition.

The program features Rimsky-Korsakov’s Scheherazade, a symphonic poem based on the tales of One Thousand and One Nights, alongside Kurt Weill’s Four Walt Whitman Songs, performed by baritone Kyle Pfortmiller. Additional repertoire includes Gustav Holst’s Walt Whitman Overture, reflecting themes drawn from the poet’s writing and broader literary influences.

Performed by a 50-piece orchestra under the direction of Artistic Director Elaine Rinaldi, the concert explores how composers translate text and narrative into music. The event is the first in a two-part series at Pinecrest Gardens focused on classical works connected to literary sources.