While Dvořák’s 9th Symphony remains a global cornerstone of orchestral music, this production places the new work by Deborah de Graaf at the heart of the narrative. In Antonin’s New World, the story of the symphony’s origin is intertwined with De Graaf’s modern compositions and jazzy songs. Following their acclaimed intimate productions, the Kamerorkest van het Noorden performs this grand music with one musician per part. This unique setup allows the audience to sit “on the skin” of the performers, experiencing the direct connection between Dvořák’s heritage and De Graaf’s new creative vision.

Deborah de Graaf about new work for orchestra:

Commissioned by the “Day of the Composer,” I wrote two pieces for the Kamerorkest van het Noorden, inspired by our shared love for Dvořák. Echoes of a Contemporary World connects with Dvořák’s New World Symphony. While Dvořák in the 1890s viewed industrialization and early trains with a mix of awe and horror, this piece offers a contemporary reflection. Today, man-made mass exceeds the weight of all life on Earth. Just as Dvořák witnessed the birth of the mobile human, my generation is witnessing the rise of autonomous AI. This inspires the same fascination and discomfort, hinting at the emergence of something even greater.

Program:

Deborah de Graaf – Echoes of a contemporary world  

Hiske Oosterwijk – Songs 1

Antonín Dvořák – Symphony No. 9 (“From the New World”), part 1

Hiske Oosterwijk – Songs 2

Antonín Dvořák – Symphony No. 9 (“From the New World”), part 2

Hiske Oosterwijk – Songs 3

Antonín Dvořák – Symphony No. 9 (“From the New World”), part 3

Deborah de Graaf – Contemporary contemplating

Antonín Dvořák – Symphony No. 9 (“From the New World”), part 4