The Valdosta Symphony Orchestra is set to captivate audiences this weekend with a performance of Antonin Dvorak‘s renowned Symphony No. 9 in E Minor, commonly known as “From the New World.” The concert, taking place at 7 p.m. on September 27, 2024, in the Whitehead Auditorium at Valdosta State University, marks the beginning of a season-long celebration leading up to America’s 250th birthday in 2026.
Dvorak composed this symphony during his three-year stay in New York City after accepting a position at the National Conservatory of Music. This period greatly influenced his work, as he sought to incorporate elements of American Indian music, folk melodies, and spirituals. Musicologist Ted Libbey, known for his contributions to NPR’s “Performance Today,” highlights that while Dvorak intended to create a distinctly American sound, echoes of his Bohemian roots are evident throughout the composition.
Concert Highlights and Featured Performers
The program will not only feature Dvorak’s symphony but also include Jessie Montgomery’s “Soul Force” and David Liebermann’s Concerto No. 1 for Flute and Orchestra, Op. 39. The latter will showcase Sarah Jane Young, an accomplished flutist and assistant professor at Valdosta State University. Young is also the principal flutist for the Valdosta Symphony and has performed extensively, including international venues such as Carnegie Hall and Lincoln Center.
Young’s credentials are impressive; she has previously served as principal flutist with the Amman Symphony Orchestra in Jordan and has performed for dignitaries including Queen Noor and Princess Muna al-Hussein. Her experience and musical prowess will add a dynamic element to the concert, particularly in the Liebermann concerto, a piece originally commissioned by the legendary flutist Sir James Galway.
What to Expect
Concertgoers can look forward to a pre-concert chat at 6:15 p.m., providing insights into the evening’s performances. To ensure a spot at this highly anticipated event, reservations are required. More details and ticket information can be found at valdostasymphony.org or by calling (229) 333-2150.
As the Valdosta Symphony Orchestra kicks off this season with “From the New World,” the performance promises to be a blend of rich musical heritage and contemporary artistry, setting an exciting tone for the upcoming celebrations of American history and culture.