Dvorák's “New World” Symphony - Finishing Touches Rehearsal

Start your morning off right with a behind-the-scenes look at the process of bringing our concerts to the stage. Finishing Touches gives our audience the opportunity to observe working rehearsals; selections from the program will be rehearsed at the discretion of the conductor.

Imagine Dvorák walking along deep prairies and riverbanks in Iowa, immersed in 19th century Americanism while homesick for his Czech Bohemia. Drawing from folk traditions of a rich and varied American landscape, Dvorák creates his Ninth Symphony, which would eventually be hailed by one critic as “the greatest ever composed in this country.” It’s a work of spiritual melodies and profound nostalgia, and an enduring favorite for 21st century audiences.

Korngold’s Schauspiel Overture opens this lush American-themed program, followed by Francisco Fullana’s performance of Barber’s achingly beautiful Violin Concerto—an introspective contrast to the sweeping grandiosity of Dvorák’s symphony. Often compared to Itzhak Perlman, Fullana is celebrated for his warm, aristocratic, and restorative playing style.

Program:
- Korngold: Schauspiel Overture
- Barber: Violin Concerto
- Dvorák: Symphony No. 9, “From the New World”