We continue the series of symphony concerts in “Zajc” with two performances of the concert “From the New World” by the Rijeka Symphony Orchestra on Thursday and Friday, July 2 and 3, starting at 9 PM.
The Rijeka Symphony Orchestra will be conducted for the first time by young maestro Valentin Egel, last year’s winner of the Lovro von Matačić International Competition for Young Conductors in Zagreb. In the same year, he was a laureate of the Competition of All German Music Academies and the Conducting Competition of the Leipzig Radio Symphony Orchestra, and he was included in the list of “Conductors of Tomorrow” of the German Forum of Conductors.
The concert program includes two ninth symphonies: Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart’s Ninth Symphony, and, of course, Antonin Dvořák’s famous Ninth Symphony, the magnificent “From the New World.”
Mozart’s four-movement Ninth Symphony, his first symphony in C major, was probably composed in Salzburg in 1772, between two of his tours in Italy. He regularly attended these and other tours throughout Europe as a “miracle child,” performing before kings and empresses at numerous courts. During his short life he succeeded in composing numerous works, which we still listen to with admiration and delight.
Following the performance of Mozart’s work is Dvořák’s Ninth Symphony, the symphony “From the New World,” which is certainly his most popular and most performed work. The masterpiece was written by the famous Czech composer during his stay in America. When Dvořák was fifty years old, the American millionaire Jeannette Thurber wanted to improve the musical culture of her homeland, so she founded a conservatory, but it could not begin work without a big name in the position of director. A great, well-known and respected composer was sought in Europe, and Antonin Dvořák was ultimately selected. Ms. Thurber wanted not only a director, but also a composer who would create American national music, a role in which Dvořák far exceeded the expectations of both Ms. Thurber and other Americans. He pointed out that America had its own valuable and original folk music, especially as found in the songs of African and Native Americans. Through the seemingly magical process of absorbing this music and adding much of his own Slavic Czech spirit, he created the first American national symphony “From the New World,” which achieved sensational success.
Be sure not to miss the symphony concert “From the New World!” Secure your place in the de luxe auditorium, with last minute prices reduced by 20% starting tomorrow! This discount can only be obtained at the Theatre box office.
General sponsor of the Rijeka Symphony Orchestra
