(from left) Tomáš Jamník, Kate Dillingham, and cellists from the Violoncello Society of New York.

We celebrated spring and the “New World” Symphony in a special tribute to Antonín Dvořák and his symphonic masterpiece, marking its 130th anniversary year.

The program featured an arrangement of "Largo" from Dvořák’s Symphony No.9 in E minor, the widely beloved “New World“ Symphony. Dvořák’s symphony premiered with the New York Philharmonic at Carnegie Hall on December 16, 1893. This arrangement for cello choir, along with "Song of the Birds" – El Cant dels Ocells, a Catalonian Traditional, was performed by a choir of cellists from the esteemed Violoncello Society of New York and Czech guest, cellist Tomáš Jamník.

A special arrangement of Dvořák’s prized Humoresque No.7 was performed by cellist Aurelia Faidley-Solars, a talented rising star in the music world. And, the ArtsAhimsa Trio: Laura Jean Goldberg, violin; Kate Dillingham, cello; and Anna Royzman, piano played Dvořák’s Piano Trio in E minor, Op. 90, The “Dumky."

We were proud to present the world premiere of "A Ballet for The New World" inspired by the “New World” Symphony and its embrace of multicultural themes. The new work explores the rich cultural heritage of the Americas incorporating dance and thematic materials from across the region North to South, with choreography by Cuban-born Pedro Ruiz and music by Venezuelan-born Moshe S. Knoll. Featuring musicians from the ArtsAhimsa ensemble and dancers Nick Camarero, Frankie Levita, Kayla Hsu, Greg Bantugan, Tade Biesinger, and Ethan Palma from Marymount Manhattan College. The recitation of Czech and Ukrainian poetry reflected the idea of open thought and freedom in Dvořák’s work, which resonates as much with audiences today as it did in the late 19th century.

PROGRAM

1. Dvořák, Humoresque No.7, arranged by Moshe Knoll
Aurelia Faidley-Solars, solo cello
Moshe S. Knoll, piano

2. Václav Havel, "It Is I Who Must Begin"
Miroslav Konvalina, Czech reader
Tristien Marcellous Winfree, English reader

Serhiy Zhadan, "Rhinoceros"
Marina Kushnir, Ukrainian reader
Tristien Marcellous Winfree, English reader

3. Dvořák, Piano Trio in E Minor, Op.90, The "Dumky"
ArtsAhimsa Trio: Laura Jean Goldberg violin; Kate Dillingham, cello; Anna Royzman, piano

4. Dvořák, "Largo" from the “New World” Symphony, arranged by David Johnstone
Traditional from Catalonia, "Song of the Birds" – El Cant dels Ocells, arranged by David Johnstone
Violoncello Society of New York Cello Choir: Kate Dillingham, Molly Aronson, Dan Barrett, Nan-Cheng Chen, Dara Hankins, Robert Reed, Mosa Tsay, Josh Weissenborn, with special guest, Czech cellist Tomáš Jamník

Intermission and musical interlude: Moshe S. Knoll, piano

5. World Premiere
"A Ballet for The New World,” Pedro Ruiz, choreographer; Moshe S. Knoll, composer
Dancers from Marymount Manhattan College: Frankie Levita, Kayla Hsu, Greg Bantugan, Tade Biesinger, Ethan Palma, Nick Camarero. Music performed by: Laura Jean Goldberg, violin; Kate Dillingham, cello; Moshe S. Knoll, piano

The event was organized by violinist and DAHA music advisor Laura Jean Goldberg, with support of the Bohemian Benevolent and Literary Association.