March 12, 2011, 8:00pm
Thomas Wolfe Auditorium
Walker Lyric for Strings
Haydn Cello Concerto No. 2 in D
Matthew Allen, cello
Dvorák Symphony No. 9
“From the New World”
Composer George Walker will likely be best known for his beautiful Lyric for Strings. Already considered an American masterpiece, the Lyric is brief but haunting, leaving an indelible impression. We then continue our tradition of featuring young artists from the Cleveland Institute of Music, and this season we are pleased to introduce Matthew Allen, who will play Haydn’s ebullient, playful Cello Concerto No. 2. Matthew is fresh from winning the Cassado Competition in Japan, and he is sure to impress with his young energy, talent, and poise. We conclude the evening with one of the most beloved symphonies in all music history, Dvorák’s “From the New World.” Written after Dvorák’s famous visit to America, his Symphony No. 9 is a captivating fusion of Czech and Austrian symphonic mastery combined with American inspired visions of Hiawatha and the African-American Spiritual. Celebrated since its debut, “From the New World” mixes broad, loving melodies and vigorous folk dance rhythms; this symphony has a special place in our hearts.
