Blue Ridge Orchestra's Season Finale Celebrates North American Music

Living in New York City in 1892, Czech composer Antonín Dvořák found inspiration in the music of the New World, particularly African American spirituals and Native American melodies. Drawing on these influences but remaining true to his Bohemian roots, he devised a symphony that would become one of the most beloved in the entire canon. Symphony No. 9 (From the New World) has been hailed as "warmly human," and one of the most accessible works of classical music.

On May 5th and 6th, the 60+ volunteer musicians of the Blue Ridge Orchestra will perform this inspirational piece, followed by Mexican composer Arturo Márquez's sprightly Danzón No. 2.

Danzón No. 2 is one of eight pieces Márquez wrote in the style of one of Mexico's oldest dance forms (danzón, derived from the Cuban contradanza). The virtuosic solos and rollicking rhythms and syncopation of this nine-minute piece will have the audience on its feet.