Enjoy an evening of unparalleled musical excellence. Renowned pianist Adam Rothenberg joins The Broadway Strings as they traverse the glittering streets of Broadway to the Slavic folk melodies of the Czech Republic in Broadway & Dvořák. Hear these world-class musicians in the intimate and beautiful acoustic of the Hurley School Auditorium as they take us on a rhapsodic journey across the globe.
ACT ONE: THE LIGHTS OF BROADWAY
The first act of the evening will dazzle audiences with an array of medleys and overtures from Broadway’s most cherished scores. From the timeless melodies of “My Fair Lady” to the haunting romance of “Hadestown,” experience the magic of Broadway as never before. Let The Broadway Strings transport you to a world of song and dance, where every melody tells a story and every note ignites the imagination.
ACT TWO: DVORAK’S PIANO QUINTET NO. 2
Prepare to be swept away by the transcendent beauty of Antonín Dvořák’s Piano Quintet No. 2 in A Major. Composed between August and October 1887, this quintet stands as one of the finest examples of late Romantic chamber music. After abandoning his first piano quintet over a decade before, Dvořák returns to the form in the middle of writing his 8th Symphony and at the height of his powers.
The quintet’s structure reflects a fusion of Dvorak’s Czech nationalism and western classical music traditions, blending traditional forms with innovative folk melodies and harmonies. From the fiery shifts between A Major and F-sharp Minor in the first movement, to the devastatingly beautiful Dumka in the second movement, to the spirited Scherzo and exuberant Finale, Dvorak’s quintet captivates listeners with its rich tapestry of emotions and virtuosic brilliance.
WHO’S DVORAK?
Antonín Dvořák (1841-1904) stands as one of the most celebrated composers of the Romantic era, renowned for his profound contributions to classical music. Born on September 8, 1841, in Nelahozeves, a village in what is now the Czech Republic, Dvořák displayed exceptional musical talent from a young age. He received his early musical training from local teachers and later studied at the Prague Organ School. Dvořák’s compositions are characterized by their rich harmonies, evocative melodies, and incorporation of Czech folk music elements, reflecting his deep connection to his homeland.
In 1892, Dvořák’s life took a significant turn when he accepted a position as director of the National Conservatory of Music in New York City, where he spent three transformative years. Inspired by the cultural diversity of America, Dvořák infused his compositions with elements of American folk music, leaving an indelible mark on his oeuvre. His works encompass symphonies, chamber music, operas, and choral compositions, with masterpieces such as the “New World Symphony,” his opera “Rusalka,” and the “Cello Concerto in B minor” enduring as cornerstones of the classical repertoire. Dvořák’s legacy continues to resonate across the globe, inspiring generations of musicians and listeners with its timeless beauty and emotional depth.
ARTISTS
