New World Perspectives

Jan 8, 2024

Overview

Antonín Dvořák’s New World Symphony has captivated generations of listeners with its majestic fanfare and yearning themes. Written during the Czech composer’s first sojourn in New York City, the piece draws on his impressions of spirituals and folk melodies, creating a unique musical vision of America. William Dawson — a Civic trombonist from 1927-1930 — evokes his own heritage and point of view in the emotionally rich and masterly crafted Negro Folk Symphony, composed in 1934 in Chicago.

Tickets are free, $5 fee applies.

Program
Dawson

Negro Folk Symphony

Dvořák

Symphony No. 9 (From the New World)

Performers
Principal Conductor, Civic Orchestra of Chicago
The Robert Kohl and Clark Pellett Principal Conductor Chair
Sponsors

The 2023/24 Civic Orchestra season is generously sponsored by Lori Julian for the Julian Family Foundation, which also provides major funding for the Civic Fellowship program.


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Civic Orchestra alumnus William L. Dawson composed his Negro Folk Symphony in 1934 while living in Chicago. After an auspicious debut, the work fell into obscurity, but in recent years, it has experienced a comeback.
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The 2023-24 season of the Civic Orchestra of Chicago with Ken-David Masur, announced Sept. 14, consists of seven mainstage concerts at Orchestra Hall and five community concerts at local venues.
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