News
February 4, 2016
28th Anniversary of NWS World Premiere Concert
On Thursday night February 4, 1988 in downtown Miami, Michael Tilson Thomas led an enthusiastic audience in the national anthem to begin the New World Symphony's World Premiere Concert.
Here's how this exciting and important event was described in the NWS Newsletter:
“Less than four weeks after assembling in Miami and rehearsing together for the first time, The New World Symphony launched its inaugural season February 4 with a sell-out performance at Gusman Center for the Performing Arts.
“It was a glittering opening night, attended by 1,700 South Florida music-lovers and dignitaries, and filmed by TV crews from national network and local affiliate stations.
“After The Star-Spangled Banner, the World Premiere Concert opened with Brahms’ Academic Festival Overture, followed by the world premiere of Charles Wuorinen’s commissioned work Bamboula Beach/The Miami Bamboula. The program continued with Bartók’s Concerto for Orchestra and Beethoven’s famous Symphony No. 5.
“The long ovation after the concert and the glowing reviews in the days that followed were a gratifying reward for Artistic Advisor Michael Tilson Thomas and the 85 young musicians who had worked so hard in such a short time to prepare for the orchestra’s premiere.
“To quote the headlines: “New World makes auspicious debut” (Miami Herald); “New World Symphony is impressive” (Miami News); “Grandiosa premiere de la Sinfónica del Nuevo Mundo” (Diario las Americas).
“Topping off the evening was a sumptuous gala for 800 guests at the CenTrust Tower’s new 11th floor Sky Lobby. The event was co-chaired by Lady Solti, wife of noted conductor Sir Georg Solti, who flew in from London to celebrate the occasion…”
Images courtesy of the New World Symphony Archives
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Posted in: Concerts, From The Archives, MTT
