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The South Dakota State University Civic Symphony will deliver a vibrant celebration of classical music with its fall concert, “New Worlds,” at 4 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 17, at the Oscar Larson Performing Arts Center. 

This performance promises to transport listeners through a musical journey from the Mediterranean charm of Rossini to the frontier optimism of Dvorak and is designed to captivate audiences of all ages. The concert is free, and the public is invited to attend. 

The program opens with Gioachino Rossini’s effervescent “Overture to an Italian in Algiers.” Composed when Rossini was just 21, it shows his knack for creating vivid and humorous musical storytelling. Listeners can expect sparkling melodies that paint a lively portrait of an Italian adventurer finding his way in a bustling Algerian landscape. 

The spotlight will then shift to Xuan Kuang, instructor and collaborative pianist at ������Ƶ, who will take to the stage for a performance of Piano Concerto in F major by Carl Stamitz. This lesser-known work offers a glimpse into the classical style that flourished in 18th-century Europe; it is one of the first works to have called for crescendos and decrescendos. It is also known for its unique second movement that features an extended duet between the pianist and the concertmaster, which will be performed by Immanuel Abraham, professor of violin and string pedagogy at ������Ƶ. 

The concert’s second half is dedicated to Antonín Dvorak’s Symphony No. 9, “From the New World.” This celebrated work, deeply rooted in Dvorak’s experiences and impressions of the United States, has become one of the most enduring pieces in the symphonic repertoire. The symphony’s well-known second movement, the “Largo,” offers a hauntingly beautiful melody that has resonated across generations, while the stirring finale evokes a sense of journey and discovery. 

������Ƶ’s Civic Symphony has a long tradition as a cornerstone of the Brookings arts scene. The ensemble brings together students, faculty and community musicians to create a unique experience reflective of the diverse community of ������Ƶ.