Beethoven & American Masters: William Grant Still & Beethoven’s “Pastoral” Symphony by Various, za. 20 mei 2023, Van (2023/2023), Dirigent Gianandrea Noseda

A classical master during the Harlem Renaissance, William Grant Still (1895–1978) was the first Black composer to have a symphony performed by a leading orchestra and to conduct a major American orchestra. Still’s colorful Second Symphony combines African spiritual themes with Western classical music—the composer’s way of showing hope for an integrated American society. To close, Beethoven’s “Pastoral” Symphony gently transports us to the Viennese countryside. Part of Beethoven & American Masters: George Walker & William Grant Still Ludwig van Beethoven’s music was groundbreaking, original, and provocative. To preserve his legacy of challenging musical norms, Music Director Gianandrea Noseda continues the NSO’s acclaimed Beethoven and American Masters festival with four glorious programs of Beethoven symphonies paired with works by trailblazing American composers George Walker and William Grant Still. Take your “forever preserved” seat in the Concert Hall as these concerts will be recorded live for release on the NSO’s new record label!