Susanna Mälkki leads the LA Phil in Antonin Dvořák’s Slavonic Dances, Op. 46 on March 23, 24, and 25. This collection of eight orchestral pieces was composed in 1878 and is inspired by traditional Slavic folk music, with each short composition named after a different Slavic dance, including the polka, furiant, and dumka. The vibrant rhythms, colorful harmonies, and folk melodies of the compositions were an instant success, and they helped to establish Dvorak’s international reputation.
In addition to the Slavonic Dances, the concert will also feature the US premiere of Felipe Lara’s Double Concerto. This unique work includes Grammy-winning jazz vocalist and bassist esperanza spalding and MacArthur Fellow Claire Chase, who will both play the flute and contrabass. The piece has been described as “magic, interdimensional space music” by spalding.
It promises to be an unforgettable concert that showcases the rich cultural heritage of Central Europe through the Slavonic Dances, as well as pushing the boundaries of contemporary classical music with the premiere of Lara’s Double Concerto.
Photo: Jiyang Chen