This recording presents three moving new works by Grammy Award-winning American composer Michael Daugherty that explore the triumphs and tragedies of aviation. "Blue Electra" is a dramatic violin concerto inspired by the sensational life and mysterious disappearance of aviation pioneer Amelia Earhart in 1937. "Last Dance at the Surf" is a one-movement dance symphony for orchestra that commemorates the last performance of rock 'n' roll legend Buddy Holly at the Surf Ballroom in Iowa in 1959 and his tragic death in a plane crash shortly afterwards. "To the New World" celebrates the Apollo 11 moon mission in 1969 and Neil Armstrong's historic moonwalk. Under the direction of conductor David Alan Miller, the Albany Symphony is joined by Grammy winner Anne Akiko Meyers, who performs "Blue Electra" with electrifying musicality and emotion. Grammy winner David Alan Miller has earned a reputation as one of the leading American conductors of his generation. By commissioning and recording new orchestral works and through innovative education and outreach programs, Miller has solidified the Albany Symphony's reputation as one of the nation's leading orchestras for American symphonic music and one of the most innovative orchestras in the country.