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Dvořák in America

Sometimes it takes an outsider to point out treasures hidden in our midst. The distinguished Bohemian composer Antonín Dvořák, associated with musical nationalism through his works inspired by Czech folkloric sources, insisted that American composers must pay attention to the boundless riches of indigenous and Black American music. During his time as director of the National Conservatory of Music in New York City from 1892 to 1895, he worked with Harry Burleigh, a distinguished Black American composer who introduced Dvořák to spirituals, and encountered Native American music during a summertime visit to Spillville, Iowa, in 1893. In response, Dvořák produced some of his most popular, influential works—not only the celebrated “New World” Symphony, but also the “American” Quartet and Quintet he composed in Spillville. Completing this illuminating program is the delectable Sonatina, Op. 100—a work the great violinist Fritz Kreisler was known to play under the title Indian Lament.

Thursday, July 23, 2026
7:30 PM

Arkell Pavilion
860 SVAC Drive / West Road
Manchester, VT 05254

Program:

Antonín Dvořák String Quartet "American"

Antonín Dvořák Sonatina

Antonín Dvořák String Quintet "American"

Hesper String Quartet • Philip Setzer, violin • Dillon Scott, viola • Festival Young Artists

About the Artists


A young man with curly dark hair, smiling, holding a violin in an indoor setting with a fireplace and window in the background.