Heroic. Gripping. Music with the ‘wow’ factor.

Who’s on stage

Conductor Stephanie Childress and pianist Piotr Anderszewski (whose performance The Guardian recently described as ‘raw and astonishing’) are the guest stars for this evening’s concert with Royal Northern Sinfonia.

What they’re playing

Only one of the greatest symphonies ever written – Anton Dvořák’s Symphony No. 9, better known as the New World Symphony. Plus North East composer Benn Lunn’s Sonnet and Beethoven’s bold and exuberant Piano Concerto No.1.

What’s happening in the music?

If you had to put together a list of the top 10 symphonies ever composed, Anton Dvořák’s (pronounced vor-jacques in case you wondered) New World Symphony would almost certainly be it. Yes, it’s grand and powerful and all the usual adjectives you’d use for big symphonic music, but more than anything it’s just absolutely packed with great tunes. Even if it’s not yet on your playlists, you’re more than likely to recognise it through films, TV and adverts. Of course, it’s also got a very particular slant, with his symphony being influenced and inspired by indigenous music of North America, inspiring him to write music that remains a favourite right to this day.

Even Sir Ridley Scott is a fan!

One of the UK’s most beloved adverts of all time, the Hovis advert, featured Dvořák’s New World Symphony. The original advert was directed by Sir Ridley Scott (luxury directing or what?!) and featured the Ashington Colliery Brass Band.

Dvořák: The Symphony No. 9 “From the New World”

Beethoven: Piano Concerto No. 1 | Margarita Höhenrieder, Staatskapelle Dresden & Fabio Luisi