ROOTED IN AMERICA

Friday, January 27, 2023 ∙ 8 pm
Paramount Theatre, Oakland

In 1934, Leopold Stokowski stepped onto the podium of his Philadelphia Orchestra. 35 minutes after his downbeat, the audience erupted. The composer
was brought to the stage. William Dawson’s “Negro Folk Symphony” was grasped instantly.

What Dvořák’s “New World” Symphony promised, Dawson delivered. It fuses African rhythms and American laments into the symphonic form. This is, unquestionably, one of the greatest American symphonies. Yet nearly 90 years after a triumphant premiere it is still too rarely encountered.

Tonight, the Oakland Symphony will change all that. I can declare that this just may be the greatest symphony you have never heard. 

The opening of tonight’s program is equally significant. The Five Folk Songs of Florence Price continue the orchestra’s survey of her work. Then, George Gershwin’s “Second Rhapsody” is a vibrant and romantic work epitomizing the Manhattan of the 1930’s. We are delighted to welcome Sara Davis Buechner back to the Paramount to perform this very special piece with us. 

On the podium tonight is American conductor Andrew Grams who is counted among the most acclaimed of his generation. He has led the orchestras of Baltimore, Chicago, Cincinnati, Cleveland, Detroit, and Philadelphia, along with those across Europe. “Here we heard the results of a far less confined conductor who made it clear what he wanted — pathos, power, and, yes, precision,” raved the International Herald Tribune

This marks the halfway point of the season. In February, you can hear works by Gabriella Smith, Reena Esmail, and Igor Stravinsky, hailing from or composed in California. In March, Prokofiev’s passionate Romeo and Juliet. And in May, Songs of Protest by Beethoven, Samuel Barber, and a new work by Martin Rokeach. 

Finally, subscribers should have received their renewal packets for the 2023-24 season. As you have come to expect from the Oakland Symphony, the season melds beloved classics with new sounds and scores from our own time. The renewal deadline is March 24, but you may renew at tonight’s performance in the lobby during intermission and following the concert.

Tonight, and every night of an Oakland Symphony concert is very special. I thank you for your support and for being a part of the orchestra’s bold future.

Sincerely, 
Dr. Mieko Hatano
Executive Director

Florence Price
Five Folksongs in Counterpoint

     I. Calvary: Adagio vigoroso
     II. Clementine: Tempo moderato
     III. Drink to me only with Thine eyes:
          Andante cantabile
     IV. Shortnin’ Bread: Allegro
     V. Swing Low, Sweet Chariot: Andantino

Solo piano works:

Artie Matthews  
Pastime Rags, nos. 2, 3 and 4

Margaret Bonds
Tangamerican
"The Bells" from Spiritual Suite

George Gershwin
Second Rhapsody

Sara Davis Buechner, piano 

INTERMISSION

William Dawson
Negro Folk Symphony

     I. The Bond of Africa
     II. Hope in the Night
     III. O, Le’ Me Shine, Shine Like a Morning Star!

The 2022-2023 Season of Oakland Symphony is generously funded in part by the East Bay Music Fund at the East Bay Community Foundation; the William and Flora Hewlett Foundation; the National Endowment for the Arts, a federal agency; and supported by the Oakland City Council and funded by the City of Oakland’s Cultural Funding Program