Experience a powerful start to the season with the most famous symphony composed on American soil – Antonin Dvorak’s “New World Symphony” paired with the dazzling “Rhapsody on a Theme of Paganini” by Sergei Rachmaninoff. Featuring acclaimed Seattle-based pianist Alex Fang. This concert blends rich romanticism with virtuosic brilliance.

We begin with Gwyneth Walker’s “Open the Door”, orignally composed to honor the 10th season of The Women’s Philharmonic. This piece conveys the isolation felt by those who create music; from solis marked “with hesitation” that grow into cues of “triumphantly” and “with determination”. Walker has composed over 400 commissioned works across a wide variety of styles and orchestrations. Her work is celebrated for its energy, beauty, reverence, drama, and humor.

Adding to this evening’s magic is pianist Alex Fang. A past winner of the San Francisco Conservatory of Music’s piano concerto competition, he has also performed at the Icicle Creek Chamber Music Festival as well as a 2023 world premiere of a double harpsichord concerto with Harmonia, a Seatlle-based orchestra. Fang recently completed his doctorate in Musical Arts from the University of Washington.

What better way to round out our opening concert than with everyone’s favorite “American” symphony? Antonin Dvorak was one of the most popular composers of the 19th century, and remains so even today. Known for turning rustic Bohemian folk tunes into Romantic music, he was the first Czech composer to achieve worldwide fame. Inspired by his time in the United States, Dvorak’s Symphony No. 9, “New World” is as popular today as it was upon its initial performance. 

As we come together for A New World, we invite you to enjoy an evening of music that connects our community. Thank you for sharing this experience with us — we look forward to welcoming you into the hall.