Our Upper Sixth music pupils have spent many happy weeks analysing one of the core set works for their course, Antonín Dvořák’s Symphony No. 9 (From the New World). Dvořák wrote the symphony after moving from his native Bohemia to New York City; and the work is a synthesis of melodies inspired by his Czech heritage, coupled with his excitement at the new styles and sounds he found in America.
We had the opportunity to hear the symphony live in concert at Cadogan Hall this week, performed by the Prague Symphony Orchestra, who are currently touring Europe. Given that Dvořák’s Czech heritage was one of the inspirations behind his symphony, it was particularly special to hear a Czech orchestra bring the work to life.
The programme also included The Noon Witch, a symphonic poem also by Dvořák and based on a Slavic folktale, and Prokofiev’s electrifying Third Piano Concerto, performed by Venezuelan pianist and Steinway Artist Gabriela Montero. Montero is not only a brilliant concert pianist, but also a gifted improviser who often invites audience members to suggest melodies on which to base her encores. On this particular evening, she improvised a colossal set of variations on Greensleeves on the spot.
As our Upper Sixth musicians approach their final exams, our hope is that this experience further enhances their enthusiasm for Dvorak’s masterpiece – and that their memories of the Prague Symphony’s energetic timpani player last a lifetime.
Related Posts
The General Knowledge “season” is now drawing to a climax, with successes for some of the individuals and teams. In the Senior School our last remaining team of Sixth Formers played St Colman’s College from Newry in Northern Ireland for a place in the National Finals. Despite scoring well on the “Muppets”, Monopoly and Canadian [...]
Reception had an incredible trip to the Discover Story Centre in Stratford on Monday where they immersed themselves in role play and storytelling. They got to explore caves, ships and castles in Story World and Story Garden all designed to stimulate curiosity and imagination. Everyone had such a happily ever after kind of day. [...]
On Wednesday, Year 2 took part in a Great Fire of London workshop. This involved completing various challenges and activities starting with a fun quiz as they competed in teams within their Houses. Next, they arranged the events of the Great Fire of London in chronological order by acting out the key moments in [...]
