DelawareScene: UD Symphony Orchestra - A Celebration of Cultural Influence @ University of Delaware, Puglisi Orchestra Hall at Roselle Center for the Arts

UD Symphony Orchestra - A Celebration of Cultural Influence

Samuel COLERIDGE-TAYLOR - The Bamboula: Rhapsodic Dance No. 1

Florence PRICE - Piano Concerto in One Movement: Christine Delbeau, soloist

Antonin DVORAK - Symphony No. 8 in G Major

This concert is a vibrant exploration of orchestral repertoire, illuminating music's capacity to both mirror cultural identity and to serve as a source of inspiration.

Samuel Coleridge-Taylor (1875-1912) was a British composer and conductor of mixed-race heritage. Born in London in 1875, he displayed exceptional musical talent from a young age. Despite facing racial prejudice, he excelled at the Royal College of Music. In this program, we begin the dynamic journey through diverse cultures by starting with the infectious rhythms of Africa in Coleridge-Taylor’s Bamboula. This rhapsodic work captures the energy and spirit of a lively Creole festival, blending traditional African elements with European classical forms.

Born in Little Rock, Arkansas, Florence Price (1887-1953) overcame racial barriers to become the first African American woman to have her music performed by a major symphony orchestra. Her prolific output includes symphonies, concertos, choral works, and chamber music. Despite her significant contributions, Price's music was largely overlooked during her lifetime; however, a resurgence of interest has brought well-deserved recognition to this groundbreaking composer. This performance celebrates the American spirit with Price’s Piano Concerto in One Movement, a tour de force combining technical brilliance with heartfelt expression.

For this performance, we are thrilled to welcome UD faculty member Christine Delbeau to the stage. Italy’s Il Messagero’s enthusiastic review described her playing as, “… particularly compelling to follow the development of the music as guided by this great American soloist, so in tune with the music she so intimately interprets.” Delbeau has performed as collaborative pianist and soloist in several of the world’s most prominent venues, including the Kennedy Center in Washington DC, Carnegie Hall and Weill-Carnegie Recital Hall in New York City, Boston’s Jordan Hall, and Philadelphia’s Verizon Hall at the Kimmel Center. Internationally, she has performed at the Tonhalle in Zurich, Switzerland, and in concerts at the Théâtre du Châtelet in Paris, France.

Antonín Dvořák (1841-1904) was born in a small village where he overcame humble beginnings to become one of the most influential composers of the Romantic era. Dvořák's works, including symphonies, concertos, and operas, are characterized by rich melodies, vibrant rhythms, and a deep connection to his Czech heritage. His music continues to captivate audiences worldwide. Our program culminates with his beloved Symphony No. 8 in G Major, a masterpiece of optimism and joy.

Dvořák's philosophy centered on the belief that folk music represented the authentic soul of a nation. By incorporating these indigenous melodies and rhythms into his compositions, he aimed to create a distinctly nationalistic yet universal musical language. His approach not only enriched classical music with fresh and vibrant elements, but also elevated the status of folk traditions to a level of artistic sophistication, inspiring countless composers—like Coleridge-Taylor and Price—to follow in his footsteps.