Czech Centres to stream Dvořák's New World Symphony on Czechoslovak Independence Day

Statue of Antonín Dvořák in Nelahozeves

Celebrations of Czechoslovak Independence Day have been severely curtailed due to the coronavirus pandemic and events marking the establishment of Czechoslovakia on October 28, 1918 have had to go online both here in the Czech Republic and abroad. In a celebration aimed at reaching Czechs and friends of the Czech Republic worldwide the Czech Centres network will stream the historical recording of Dvořák's New World Symphony under the baton of conductor Václav Neumann.

Sheet music of the Symphony No. 9 in E minor | Photo: public domain

The Symphony No. 9 in E minor, "From the New World", Op. 95, B. 178, popularly known as the New World Symphony, was composed by Antonín Dvořák in 1893 when he was director of the National Conservatory of Music of America. It premiered at New York's Carnegie Hall in 1893, getting a triumphant reception.

The New World Symphony is one of the most famous symphonies of all time, an integral part of the repertoire of symphony orchestras and conductors the world over.

It was first performed at the National Theatre in Prague in 1894, conducted by Antonín Dvořák himself.

Photo: Archive of the Czech Centres

On the 100th anniversary of its New York premiere in 1993, Dvořák's Novosvětská was performed in the Rudolfinum, by the Czech Philharmonic Orchestra, conducted by its then chief conductor Václav Neumann.

On the occasion of Czechoslovak Independence Day Czech Centres will stream the recording of the gala concert on December 11, 1993 to music lovers around the world. Viewers can watch the 49-minute stream on the Facebook pages of the Czech Centres in the Czech Republic and abroad at www.facebook.com/Ceskacentra. The start is scheduled for 6 pm CET.