On 8 February, the Astana Ballet Theatre will present a concert by the Symphony Orchestra, entitled “From the Fjords to the New World”. This musical journey will take you from the romantic landscapes of Norway to the symphonic power of the New World, DKNews.kz reports.
The programme is going to bring together the works of two of the most outstanding 19th-century composers, Edvard Grieg and Antonín Dvořák. The music of these artists represents a diverse array of cultural worlds and national traditions, unified by the depth of emotional expression, the vividness of melody, and the breadth of artistic thinking. The Symphony Orchestra of the Astana Ballet Theatre, under the baton of Chief Conductor Arman Urazgaliyev, will be performing on stage.
The first part of the concert is dedicated to the work of Edvard Grieg, a composer who has become synonymous with Norwegian musical culture and northern poetry. The following musical extracts from Henrik Ibsen’s drama “Peer Gynt”, characterised by their vivid imagery and contrasting moods, will be performed: Morning, Anitra’s Dance, and In the Hall of the Mountain King.
The first part of the concert will also feature a Piano Concerto in A Minor by Edvard Grieg, widely regarded as one of the most celebrated works in the realm of global piano literature. This piece is notable for its integration of romantic breadth, technical mastery, and introspective lyricism. The solo part will be performed by People’s Artist of the Republic of Kazakhstan, laureate of state prizes, and outstanding pianist Jania Aubakirova.
The second part will comprise one of the most significant symphonic compositions in the realm of global music: Symphony No. 9, entitled “From the New World”, composed by Antonín Dvořák.
The symphony was composed in 1893, during the composer’s time in the USA, and it served as a musical link between Europe and America. This work seamlessly integrates the European symphonic tradition with the intonations of American folklore, thereby engendering a vast and expressive depiction of the New World. This depiction is characterised by its sense of vastness, movement, and inner strength.
The symphony is comprised of four movements, commencing with a solemn and intense introduction, culminating in a powerful and dramatic finale that encapsulates the thematic elements of the entire composition. The second fragment, Largo, is especially renowned for its soulful, almost prayerful melody.
“From the New World” is not solely a musical journey, but also a profound narrative about a person estranged from their homeland, encountering a new world, and the inextricable connection with their own roots.
The event will be held with the support of the Ministry of Culture and Information of the Republic of Kazakhstan.
