NACOGDOCHES, Texas – The Symphony Orchestra at Stephen F. Austin State University will perform Antonín Dvořák’s Symphony No. 9, “From the New World,” when the ensemble performs at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, April 25, in Cole Concert Hall on the SFA campus.
The program pays homage to America as its connecting feature, according to Dr. Gregory Grabowski, director of orchestral activities at SFA and the orchestra’s director.
“Two of the three pieces are composed by the American composer Aaron Copland, who is sometimes called the ‘Dean of American Composers,’” Grabowski explained.
Copland’s “Quiet City” will feature music faculty members Dr. Jacob Walburn on trumpet and Dr. Pablo Moreno on English horn. The orchestra’s performance of Copland’s “Appalachian Spring” is the original orchestration of the suite from the ballet with the same name.
“It’s an incredibly beautiful and challenging work,” Grabowski said. “This ensemble features select members of the SFASO.”
The main feature of the program is Czech composer Dvořák’s Symphony No. 9.
“Dvořák was invited to the U.S. and commissioned to compose an American-sounding symphony,” Grabowski said. “The result was his Symphony No. 9, subtitled ‘From the New World.’ In an attempt to find an American sound, he drew heavily from Native American and African American spirituals. The resulting symphony has become one of Dvořák’s most famous pieces.”
Concert tickets are $8 for adults, $6 for seniors and $3 for students and youth. To purchase tickets, call the SFA Fine Arts Box Office at (936) 468-6407 or visit finearts.sfasu.edu. For additional information, contact the SFA School of Music at (936) 468-4602.
Axe ’Em, Jacks!