While visiting the U.S. in the late 19th Century, Antonin Dvorak was struck by Native American and African American folk songs; this music inspired his “New World” Symphony, now one of the most internationally beloved orchestral works. The New Haven Symphony Orchestra (NHSO) will perform this classic and more at Dvorak’s New World October 20, 2016 at 7:30pm in Woolsey Hall. Led by NHSO music director William Boughton, program highlights also will include Schubert’s “Unfinished” Symphony and Bruch’s Violin Concerto No. 1 featuring NHSO concertmaster Ani Kavafian as soloist.
NHSO Music Director William Boughton says, “This Season we celebrate the artistry of a very special musician – Ani Kavafian, who has been the Concertmaster of the NHSO for seven years. As well as being Concertmaster this season, Ani will appear as soloist in Bruch’s beloved Violin Concerto – the work she played on her debut with the New York Philharmonic – and a recital with pianist Michael Brown at the very end of the season this Spring. She has been a wonderful right-hand person, interpreting every nuance and gesture of mine, and an inspiration to the musicians of the orchestra.”
Violinist Ani Kavafian has served as the NHSO’s concertmaster, or principal violinist, since she was appointed in 2008. Her role with the orchestra is more than just musical; she serves as one of the artistic leaders of the ensemble, setting the tone and style of many of its performances. She enjoys a prolific career as a soloist, recitalist, and chamber musician, having performed with virtually all of America’s leading orchestras, including the New York Philharmonic, San Francisco Symphony Orchestra, Philadelphia Symphony Orchestra, Cleveland Symphony Orchestra, and many others. She is a renowned chamber musician, appearing frequently with her sister Ida Kavafian, and has performed with the Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center since 1979. She continues her association as an artist member of the Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center with a number of appearances in NYC and around the United States. She has participated in the Heifetz International Music Institute, Bravo! Vail Valley Music Festival, Norfok Chamber Music Festival, Great Lakes Festival, the Bridgehampton Chamber Music Festival, and Music from Angel Fire Festival. She serves on the faculty of the Yale School of Music and plays the 1736 Muir McKenzie Stradivarius violin.
Tickets: Adult tickets are $15 – $74. College student tickets are $10 and KidTix (children ages 7-17) are free with the purchase of an adult ticket. Blue Star tickets for active military personnel and their immediate family are free. For tickets and information call 203.562.5666 or visit www.NewHavenSymphony.org.
Pre-Concert Activities:
Symphony Supper: Indulge in a delicious Symphony Supper with other music lovers at Cask Republic prior to the performance; visit NewHavenSymphony.org or call 203.865.0831 x20 and to book your reservation.
Prelude: Join the NHSO for an intriguing free pre-concert discussion from 6:30-7:00pm the night of the concert. The venue will be announced on the NHSO’s website; check back for further information.
Dvorak’s New World is the Jane Cotter Cohen Memorial Concert. This concert is co-sponsored by Northwestern Mutual. Symphony Suppers are sponsored by GSB Wealth Management. The Classics Series media sponsor is the New Haven Register. KidTix and Blue Star Tix are sponsored by Frontier Communications.
