We are absolutely thrilled to announce that our violinist Gregor Huebner has won the Grand Prize in the New York Philharmonic’s New World Initiative Composition Challenge! The contest was open to all NYC-based composers with the challenge being to create an original composition based on one or more themes from Dvorak’s New World Symphony, to celebrate both the 175th anniversary of the NY Phil as well as their 1893 premiere of the work.
Some words from Gregor:
“I am deeply honored to be the recipient of the Grand Prize for New York Philharmonic’s New World Initiative Composition Challenge for my composition “New World, Nov 9. 2016.” The contest winners will be recognized at the Concerts in the Parks on June 14, 2017.
I entered the composition contest to create “a work that contained or referenced themes from Dvořák’s Symphony No. 9, From the New World.”
I began composing the piece the day after the presidential election in November 2016 and the influence of that historic moment is definitely reflected in the composition. It’s quite a different musical view of the New World for an immigrant in Dvorak’s time and an immigrant like myself today. References from Dvořák and Shostakovich are embedded in a musical journey throughout the rich and international cultural world of New York City.”
About The New World Initiative
During its 175th anniversary season (2016–17), the New York Philharmonic will celebrate New York City and its role as home to the Orchestra and as an adopted home for many. The New World Initiative (NWI) evolves from a major event in the Philharmonic’s history: the 1893 World Premiere of Dvořák’s Symphony No. 9, From the New World — the first major work composed in New York that became immediately and enduringly popular. The complete work represents a yearning for new beginnings while also looking back to where we came from. Through the NWI, the Philharmonic will engage with New Yorkers citywide by making the New World Symphony a cultural touchstone for as many New Yorkers as possible.