The Northwest Indiana Symphony Orchestra is presenting “A New World” concert on March 11 that features an especially popular symphonic work.
Antonin Dvorak’s “New World Symphony” will be featured at the 7:30 p.m. concert at the Auditorium at Bethel Church, 10202 Broadway, Crown Point.
“It’s one of the most popular pieces of classical music,” said Kirk Muspratt, music director and conductor of the orchestra.
“The music is very appealing, very accessible,” Muspratt added. “It’s four movements. It’s about 40 minutes long.”
The maestro said Dvorak — a Czech composer — developed an affinity for certain styles of melodicism that sprang from the United States.
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“He just fell completely in love with American folk music and also African-American spirituals,” Muspratt, a Chicago resident, noted.
Also known as Symphony No. 9 in E Minor, the “New World Symphony” will radiate throughout the Crown Point audience on the strength of an orchestra with about 75 members.
“It’s a big, strong piece of music,” said Muspratt, who will be changing the tone of the concert with a special guest artist.
Acclaimed trumpet player Jens Lindemann — a childhood friend of Muspratt’s — will perform Alexander Arutiunian’s upbeat “Trumpet Concerto.”
Lindemann, who has an international reputation, won a lead trumpet spot with the Canadian Brass at a young age.
“It was a spectacular experience,” Lindemann, a Los Angeles resident, said.
He was classically trained at the prestigious Juilliard School in New York City, and has performed at major concert venues in London, Tokyo and Berlin.
On March 11 in Indiana, Lindemann plans to bring along three horns as he tackles Arutiunian’s “Trumpet Concerto” — a testament to buoyancy and diversity.
“It’s probably the most played trumpet concerto in the world,” said Lindemann, a native of Alberta, Canada. “It’s a war horse. It’s an extremely wide range of styles. It resonates with people.”
In a press release, Muspratt heaped praise on the soloist, who is known for performing on upper-scale, gold-plated trumpets.
“Jens is such a smokin’ hot trumpet player,” the conductor said. “He’s the kind of trumpet player that never misses the hard lick.”
Lindemann is set to incorporate the fluegelhorn into his horn performance in Crown Point.
The trumpet concerto is a “flashy” work, according to Muspratt. “It’s almost Hollywood-like in its style,” he said.
Muspratt hinted that there will be a twist to Lindemann’s appearance.
“He has a wonderful surprise encore prepared for us,” Muspratt said.
Another selection that is scheduled for the concert is Richard Strauss’ “Death and Transfiguration,” according to the orchestra’s website.
Bob Kostanczuk is a freelance reporter.
‘A New World’ concert by the Northwest Indiana Symphony Orchestra
Where: The Auditorium at Bethel Church, 10202 Broadway, Crown Point
When: 7:30 p.m. March 11
Tickets: $29 to $69; students $10
Information: 219-836-0525; nwisymphony.org
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