Dvořák’s New World Symphony
Thu Feb 16 — Fri Feb 17, 2023
Orchestra Hall
Don’t miss two debuts and music new to Orchestra Hall in this soul-stirring mid-February concert. French pianist Alexandre Kantorow, 2019 winner of the International Tchaikovsky Competition, makes his first appearance on the Orchestra Hall stage, performing Tchaikovsky’s Second Piano Concerto. Japanese conductor Kazuki Yamada makes his debut leading the Orchestra in Tōru Takemitsu’s breathtaking piece, How Slow the Wind, also receiving its first performance here, before taking the Orchestra and audience on an all-time favorite of classical music, through Dvořák’s New World Symphony.
A Few Things to Know
- “[Kantorow] is the real deal, a fire-breathing virtuoso with a poetic charm and innate stylistic mastery,” says Gramophone.
- At just 25 years old, Alexandre Kantorow is quickly becoming one of the most accomplished young pianists of our time, recently winning the Grand Prix at the 2019 International Tchaikovsky Competition.
Program
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TAKEMITSU
How slow the Wind
1 min noteOne Minute Note
The sound world of How slow the Wind incorporates both Eastern and Western musical traditions, and like several of Takemitsu’s compositions, it is rooted in a three-note motive associated with the sea. In some passages, the orchestra’s instruments use non-traditional techniques to evoke the sounds of Japanese instruments such as the shakuhachi and koto.
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TCHAIKOVSKY
Piano Concerto No. 2
1 min noteOne Minute Note
A thundering march launches this concerto, which initially segregates soloist and orchestra. The middle movement offers a surprise—the hint of a triple concerto with violin and cello—while the finale has the spirit of a high-stepping country dance.
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DVOŘÁK
Symphony No. 9, From the New World
1 min noteOne Minute Note
Dvořák’s beloved Ninth, composed during a three-year visit to America, is a melting pot of African American, Indigenous American and European musical languages. Among its many unforgettable passages: a gorgeous English horn melody in the Largo inspired by African American spirituals and a dramatic finale that overflows with inspired tunes.
Artists
Minnesota Orchestra
The Grammy Award-winning Minnesota Orchestra, now in its second century, ranks among America’s top symphonic ensembles, with a distinguished history of acclaimed performances in its home state and around the world; award-winning recordings, broadcasts and educational engagement programs; and a commitment to intentionally build concert programs to feature more works by composers of color, exploring music both contemporary and historic. In September 2024, Danish conductor Thomas Søndergård begins his second season as music director.
Plan your visit
- Pre-concert activities
- Valet Parking
- Pre-order Beverages
- Directions & Parking
- Helpful Tips
PIM Arts High School Dance Performance
When: Feb 16 - 10:15am | Feb 17, 7:15pm
Where: Target Atrium
Enjoy a variety of modern dances performed by the PiM Dance Ensemble including Within Your Wings, a dance inspired by the life and legacy of Sadako Sasaki and her thousand paper cranes. This piece is dedicated to those affected by war and honors the tradition of being a symbol of hope and healing during challenging times.
Know Before You Go
An engaging performance awaits, and the fun doesn’t stop there. Make this visit your own with food and activity options. Browse these helpful tips, and when your concert date arrives, all you have to do is sit back and enjoy.
Set Your Course
All the information you need to know for getting to and from Orchestra Hall. Parking is just steps away from Orchestra Hall in the city-owned and skyway-connected 11th and Marquette Ramp.
Pre-order beverages
Skip the lines at the bar! Pre-order your intermission beverage via the MN Orch App when you arrive at Orchestra Hall.
Accessibility Services
- Armless & Bariatric Chairs
- Assistive Listening Devices
- Large-Print Programs
- Noise-Cancelling Headphones
- Service Animals
- Wheelchair & Accessible Seating
Additional services are available upon request.
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