Dvořák’s New World Symphony

Programme

American conductor Roderick Cox takes the helm for a musical journey across the Atlantic.

In Dvořák’s best-loved masterpiece, his trademark Czech style is tinged with the spirit of the Native American and African-American music he came to love and admire during his time in the United States. The symphony packs drama, excitement and hope into one unforgettable work. From the quietly optimistic melody of the Largo to the blazing finale, it’s easy to see why this piece has been hugely popular ever since its New York premiere in 1893.

Wagner composed the Siegfried Idyll as a birthday present for his wife, after the birth of their son Siegfried. With its tender melodies and references to private family moments, it gives us a rare glimpse of this giant of the opera house in a more domestic mode.

In contrast, Liszt’s First Piano Concerto is bold, thrilling and almost symphonic in scale. It is the perfect showpiece for the talent of British pianist Benjamin Grosvenor, spanning the full expressive range of the instrument in the space of just 20 minutes.

Please note this concert starts at 5pm.

This concert was originally advertised with Eun Sun Kim conducting. Unfortunately she is unwell and has had to withdraw. We are grateful to Roderick Cox for stepping in at short notice.