From New York to Bohemia

Our concert opens with Upbeat! by Ellen Taaffe Zwilich, a trailblazer in American classical music and the first woman ever to win the Pulitzer Prize for Music. Composed in 1998, this four-minute orchestral fanfare lives up to its name—brimming with energy, rhythmic vitality, and sheer optimism. The title itself is a clever play on words, referring both to the musical term for the preparatory beat and to the spirited nature of the piece. With bold brass lines, sharp rhythmic contrasts, and Zwilich’s trademark clarity, Upbeat! delivers a witty, effervescent burst of sound that sets the perfect tone for the evening: short, sparkling, and gone too soon.

Next comes George Gershwin’s Concerto in F, written in 1925 during the height of the Jazz Age. Following the triumph of Rhapsody in Blue, Gershwin sought to prove himself as a serious composer by fully orchestrating this concerto himself. The result is a dazzling three-movement work that bridges the worlds of classical and jazz, embodying the restless energy of New York City. The opening Allegro is propelled by syncopation and rhythmic drive, while the second movement, Adagio – Andante con moto, unfurls with bluesy lyricism and soulful introspection. The finale bursts forth with Charleston rhythms, ragtime sparkle, and sweeping momentum, a testament to Gershwin’s genius for weaving together jazz idioms and classical architecture. Tonight’s soloist brings this American masterpiece to life, showcasing both its virtuosic brilliance and its genre-defying charm.

The program concludes with Antonín Dvořák’s Symphony No. 6 in D Major, composed in 1880. Originally intended for the Vienna Philharmonic but first performed in Prague, the work reflects both Germanic tradition and Czech national identity. The influence of Johannes Brahms, Dvořák’s friend and supporter, is evident in the symphony’s noble themes and warm orchestration. Yet its distinctive character lies in its Slavic spirit: the Scherzo brims with the lively rhythms of a Czech furiant dance, while the finale bursts with vitality and jubilant folk color. Balancing grandeur and intimacy, Symphony No. 6 remains one of Dvořák’s most radiant and joyful creations.

Together, these works draw a fascinating line from New York to Bohemia, exploring questions of identity, influence, and cultural voice. Gershwin’s music captures the urban pulse of America in the 1920s, blending jazz, blues, and classical sophistication, while Dvořák’s symphony embodies a 19th-century Czech search for national expression within the European symphonic tradition. Zwilich’s Upbeat! adds a modern American voice, demonstrating how contemporary composers continue to build upon tradition while creating something fresh and distinctive.

As you listen tonight, consider how each composer defines “home” through sound—whether in the syncopated rhythms of jazz-age Manhattan, the folk-infused dances of Bohemia, or the bold optimism of modern America. From New York to Bohemia is not only a celebration of diverse musical traditions but also a reminder of the shared human desire to express identity, culture, and community through music.

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