Dvorak's American-Inspired Masterpiece

The National Symphony Orchestra present a majestic program headlined by the soul-stirring optimism of Dvorak's New World Symphony. Conducted by Xian Zhang, the concert features renditions of Samuel Coleridge Taylor's marvelous Ballade for Orchestra Op. 33, followed by saxophonist Steven Banks taking the lead of Billy Childs' saxophone concerto, commissioned by NSO. Finally, Dvorak's New World Symphony, as heard by Neil Armstrong on the Apollo 11 lunar mission, closes out the program.

Written in response to America's welcoming reception of the composer in the late 1800s, the New World Concerto was inspired by the Native American and African American music he witnessed on his visit. The work's spiritual-inspired melodies have made it one of the most popular symphonies of all time.