Celebrate the American spirit that explores inner landscapes and worlds beyond. Still’s “Afro-American” symphony radiates hope and strength, while John Williams’ “Excerpts from Close Encounters of the Third Kind” delivers universal wonder. Come along as Copland’s “Quiet City” takes us on an intimate tour of New York and Gershwin’s jazzy “American in Paris” whirls us through that busy city! Maestro Peter Wilson and Mike Goldberg, classical host at VPM Music, give a pre-concert talk at 3:00 p.m. More information about Richmond’s semi-professional classical orchestra is at richmondphilharmonic.org.