The Valdosta Symphony Orchestra (VSO) will kick off its new season on September 27, 2023, with a performance of Antonin Dvorak’s renowned Symphony No. 9 in E Minor, popularly known as “From the New World.” This concert will take place at the Whitehead Auditorium, located in the Valdosta State University Fine Arts Building.
Dvorak, who accepted an invitation to lead the National Conservatory of Music in 1892, spent three years in New York City. During this time, he composed “From the New World,” which reflects his exploration of American folk music, spirituals, and what he perceived as Native American melodies. As noted by Ted Libbey, host of NPR’s “Performance Today,” the symphony also carries echoes of Dvorak’s Bohemian roots. Libbey describes the work as more than just a musical postcard; it serves as a means for Dvorak to guide American composers on integrating native themes into the symphonic tradition.
The concert will also mark the beginning of a year-long celebration leading up to America’s 250th anniversary in 2026, commemorating the signing of the Declaration of Independence. Howard Hsu, the music director and conductor of the VSO, emphasized that Dvorak’s homesickness influenced the composition, sharing that the composer spent his leisure time in New York observing trains and ocean liners, as well as feeding pigeons.
One of the standout pieces in the symphony is the poignant spiritual “Goin’ Home,” which was adapted from the melancholy English horn solo in the second movement. This adaptation showcases Dvorak’s ability to blend different musical influences into a cohesive and moving work.
In addition to Dvorak’s masterpiece, the concert will feature two other compositions: Jessie Montgomery’s “Soul Force” and the renowned Concerto No. 1 for Flute and Orchestra, Op. 39 by Lowell Liebermann. The flute concerto, originally commissioned by the legendary flutist Sir James Galway, is celebrated for its display of flute virtuosity and will feature principal flutist Sarah Jane Young.
Young, an assistant professor of flute at Valdosta State University, has an impressive background in performance. She is also a principal flutist for the Valdosta Symphony and plays regularly with other orchestras, including the Tallahassee Symphony Orchestra and the Pensacola Symphony. Her biography highlights her international experience, having performed in diverse locations such as Canada, England, Jordan, and throughout the United States. Notably, she has played for prominent figures, including Queen Noor of Jordan.
The concert is scheduled for 19:00 (7:00 PM) at the Whitehead Auditorium. Reservations are required, and a pre-concert discussion will begin at 18:15 (6:15 PM). For more information, attendees can visit the VSO’s website at valdostasymphony.org or call +1 (229) 333-2150.
This season promises to be an enriching experience for both the orchestra and its audience, setting a high bar with an iconic work that speaks to the heart of American music.
