Composers Datebook®

Jennifer Higdon (b. 1962) Concerto for Orchestra Atlanta Symphony; Robert Spano, cond. Telarc 80620

On today’s date in 1931, the Russian-born American composer Nicolas Slonimsky was in Paris, conducting the second of two concerts of modern music from the Americas.

On today’s date in 1939, conductor Adrian Boult led the New York Philharmonic in premiere performances of three brand-new works by leading British composers of the day.

Haydn’s Orpheus and Euridice was supposed to premiere in 1791 in London. But a spat between the Prince of Wales and his pop, King George III, meant the performance was off. The opera was eventually premiered 160 years later – on today’s date in 1951.

On today’s date in 2012, a new chamber work by Carter with an odd title received its first performance at a concert in the New York Philharmonic’s CONTACT! Series.

Alice Parker’s “Dancing Songs” was premiered by the Amherst Regional Middle School Choir and their director David Ranen on today’s date in 2011.

On today’s date in 1931, the Russian-born American conductor, and composer Nicolas Slonimsky was in Paris conducting the first of two concerts of ultra-modern music from the New World.

The concert band version of John Corigliano’s “Gazebo Dances” was first performed in Indiana on today’s date in 1973.

On today’s date in 1853, Johannes Brahms and Hungarian violinist Ede Reményi arrived in Gottingen, where they were hosted by Arnold Wehner, the Music Director of that city’s University.

On today’s date in 1896, at a concert of the Prague Conservatory Orchestra, three tone poems by Dvorak premiered: “The Golden Spinning Wheel,” “The Water Goblin,” and “The Noonday Witch.”