Who are we and what do we want to do?
Founded in 2024 by Alan Grofé, grandson of composer, arranger, and conductor Ferde Grofé, the IRS-approved nonprofit charity Ferde Grofé Music Foundation's mission is to primarily preserve, promote, and advance the musical legacy of Ferde Grofé. We endeavor to foster appreciation for his innovative and timeless compositions and arrangements by educating audiences about his enduring impact on music history and inspiring future generations of musicians through educational initiatives and performances of his music. Although his conservative style fell out of favor in the mid-20th century, Grofé foreshadowed the extremes of volume and masterfully colorful orchestration reintroduced by American composers in the 1990s.
The broader goal is not only advancing the legacy of Ferde Grofé, but that of other influential contemporary classical American composers such as Charles Ives, Louis Moreau Gottschalk, Leonard Bernstein, Aaron Copland, Steve Reich, John Cage, Philip Glass, Amy Beach, Howard Hanson, Henry Cowell, and John Adams. This involves honoring their diverse contributions while inspiring future generations. Each composer has left an indelible mark on classical music through their unique styles, innovations, and cultural influences. From Bernstein's iconic Broadway compositions to Copland's quintessentially American orchestral works, and from Reich's minimalist explorations to Glass's mesmerizing repetitive structures, their collective impact spans genres and generations.
Advancing their legacy means preserving and performing their renowned works and encouraging contemporary composers to build upon their foundations. Embracing new technologies, incorporating diverse musical traditions, and addressing contemporary societal themes are key to evolving the American classical music tradition they helped shape. By promoting education, commissioning new works, and fostering an inclusive musical community, we ensure that their legacy inspires creativity and enriches the global classical music landscape.
