Dvořák Festival

The Chicago Symphony Orchestra’s 2008/09 season culminates with the Dvořák Festival, from May 30 to June 20, saluting the life and work of Antonín Dvořák. His pioneering visit to America in the 1890s had a great influence on his music and the development of the American symphonic voice. Building on some of Dvořák’s most popular works conceived and performed during his stay in the U.S. (including time spent in Chicago and Spillville, Iowa), the festival celebrates the composer’s native Czech culture through music, film, poetry and song.

Click here to download and print our Dvořák Festival guide.

Conductor Mark Elder on Antonin Dvořák – Watch video Interviews »

FESTIVAL CONCERTS

Dvořák’s orchestral repertoire is at the heart of the festival, with such all-time favorites as the New World Symphony and the beloved Cello Concerto, plus hidden gems like his Third Symphony (a CSO premiere!) and selections from his vocal, chamber and operatic works.

Festival director Sir Mark Elder has invited an international cast of guest artists, including the critically acclaimed soprano Patricia Racette and the talented violinist Janine Jansen, who makes her CSO debut. The renowned Emerson String Quartet will be in residence during the festival for recitals and will share concerts with the CSO, providing new insight into Dvořák’s chamber music.

ENHANCE YOUR CONCERT EXPERIENCE

Dvořák scholar Dr. Michael Beckerman leads a team of distinguished guest speakers in preconcert conversations, lectures and panel discussions which will further explore the extent of Dvořák’s musical genius and fascinating relationship with America. Several of Chicago’s foremost cultural institutions are joining the celebration--click here for more details on the festival’s explorations of film, theater and more.

CREATE YOUR OWN FESTIVAL PACKAGE!
PURCHASE THREE OR MORE CONCERTS AND SAVE 20%!

The Dvořák Festival receives support from the following generous donors:
Mr. & Mrs. Joseph B. Glossberg • Chet Gougis and Shelley Ochab • Mr. & Mrs. Thomas C. Heagy • Judy and Verne Istock • The Kapnick Family • Nancy and Donald Kempf • Kirkland & Ellis LLP • Robert Kohl and Clark Pellett • Jim and Kay Mabie • James and Susan Matson • Molex, Inc. • The Elizabeth Morse Charitable Trust • National Endowment for the Arts • Dr. & Mrs. T. Paul B. O’Donovan • Cathy and Bill Osborn • Mr. & Mrs. Albert Pawlick • Jerry Rose • Mr. John Schmidt and Dr. Janet Gilboy • In honor and loving memory of Alice Welsh Skilling • And from a major challenge grant from The Jentes Family.