The Virginia Chamber Orchestra takes viewers on a musical journey to five major regions of the United States, from the Northeast: Copland’s Appalachian Spring to the Southwest: “Painted Desert” and “On the Trail” from Grofe’s Grand Canyon Suite.

In-studio, Ted Libby, classical music commentator for National Public Radio, and Hank Dillon, from the Department of Geography and Earth Science at George Mason University, discuss how geography inspires composers. Students demonstrate unusual instruments including a thunder sheet featured in the Mount St. Helens Symphony by Hovhaness. Produced by the Fairfax Network.