Dvořák’s New World Symphony
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- What you'll hear
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Heroic. Gripping. Music with the ‘wow’ factor.
Who’s on stage
Conductor Stephanie Childress and pianist Piotr Anderszewski (whose performing The Guardian recently described as ‘raw and astonishing’) are the guest stars for this evening’s concert with Royal Northern Sinfonia.
What they’re playing
Only one of the greatest symphonies ever written – Anton Dvořák’s Symphony No. 9, better known as the New World Symphony. Plus North East composer Benn Lunn’s Sonnet and Beethoven’s bold and exuberant Piano Concerto No.1.
Need to know
Price: £19 – £46
Discounts: save if you’re under 17, aged 18 – 30, a classical first timer, or a group of 10 or more people. Check the details.
Running time: 2 hours, including a 20 minute interval.
Age: under 14s must be accompanied by an adult.
What you'll hear
Ben Lunn Sonnet
Ludwig van Beethoven Piano Concerto No. 1 (36’)
Antonín Dvořák Symphony No. 9 ‘From the New World’ (40’)
Who's on stage
Stephanie Childress conductor
Piotr Anderszewski piano
Royal Northern Sinfonia
What's happening in the music?
If you had to put together a list of the top 10 symphonies ever composed, Anton Dvořák’s (pronounced vor-jacques in case you wondered) New World Symphony would almost certainly be it. Yes, it’s grand and powerful and all the usual adjectives you’d use for big symphonic music, but more than anything it’s just absolutely packed with great tunes. Even if it’s not yet on your playlists, you’re more than likely to recognise it through films, TV and adverts. Of course, it’s also got a very particular slant, with his symphony being influenced and inspired by indigenous music of North America, inspiring him to write music that remains a favourite right to this day.
Take a listen
Even Sir Ridley Scott is a fan!
One of the UK’s most beloved adverts of all time, the Hovis advert, featured Dvořák’s New World Symphony. The original advert was directed by Sir Ridley Scott (luxury directing or what?!) and featured the Ashington Colliery Brass Band.
