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Civic Orchestra of Chicago
New World Perspectives
Jan 8, 2024 — 7:30 PM
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 & Partners
This program is partially supported by a grant from the Illinois Arts Council Agency.
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.
Discover more on Experience CSO
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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Auditions for Civic Orchestra of Chicago are under way for next season. Civic managers emphasize that the auditions have few restrictions; there’s no age limit on either side, but applicants are usually 21 to 26.
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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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