Antonín Dvořák, Symphony No. 9 "From the New World" and P. Tchaikovsky, "Romeo and Juliet" - Overture

This programme of Slavic Romanticism presents some of the most celebrated, beautiful, and melodically rich works in all of musical literature.

In the symphonic cycle "Má vlast" (My Homeland), Bedřich Smetana, regarded as the "founder of Czech national music", celebrates his native land. The tender musical portrait "Vltava" (The Moldau) enjoys international popularity today. It depicts the course of the Vltava River as it flows through the enchanting Bohemian landscape.

Antonín Dvořák's outstanding Symphony No. 9 "From the New World" is the fruit of mature life experience. It became his most popular and successful symphony, and brought the name Dvořák to prominence worldwide. Dvořák combined entirely new, American-tinged themes with the finest compositional technique from all his previous symphonies. Despite foreign American influences based on Native American and African styles, it remains thoroughly Czech music. His time in America brought entirely fresh inspiration to this great composer's work.

Tchaikovsky's "Romeo and Juliet" Overture ranks among his most popular compositions; in melodic invention, orchestral beauty, and dramatic impact, it stands among his finest achievements. The work owes its enduring success to its sensual love theme and compelling climax.

The concert will be performed authentically, with genuine Slavic spirit, by the CZECH PHILHARMONIC PRAGUE, one of the Czech Republic's greatest cultural exports, under the dynamic baton of maestro Petr Chromčák.