Cool Concert This Thursday

The Chicago Symphony Orchestra has a training group called the Civic Orchestra (sort of like a AAA farm club). It is a fantastic ensemble led by Cliff Colnot, and they perform several times a year for free. This Thursday, June 11, at 9:30 AM, they will present Dvorak's 9th Symphony, commonly known as "The New World Symphony." The fourth movement of this work will remind you of John Williams' theme from the movie Jaws, although it's important to note that Dvorak wrote his work several decades earlier. The second movement is one of the most beautiful melodies of all time, an English horn solo also known as "Going Home." It sounds very much like an old-time African-American spiritual. In fact, Dvorak, a Bohemian (Czech) composer, wrote this symphony in part to show his American counterparts how they could use the music of African and Native Americans to forge a unique style that was less influenced by European romanticism.

The concert will begin with a multimedia presentation on the background of Dvorak's piece, followed by a complete performance after intermission. It will be held in Symphony Center on Michigan Avenue in Chicago. Click here for more details. Let me know if you get a chance to attend and celebrate your first day of summer vacation in style!