Dvořák’s Eighth

Bohemian Dreams

📍 This event takes place at Powell Hall

Friday, Dec 4, 2026, 10:30am View Subscriptions Saturday, Dec 5, 2026, 7:30pm View Subscriptions

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Program

Dinis Sousa, conductor
Jeremy Denk, piano

Kaija Saariaho Lumière et Pesanteur (Light and Gravity)
Béla Bartók Piano Concerto No. 2
Antonin Dvořák Symphony No. 8

About this Concert

Inspired by the rolling hills, bird calls, and peaceful charm of the Bohemian countryside, Dvořák weaves together an array of vibrant folk songs and wistful pastoral melodies in his beloved Eighth Symphony. Kaija Saariaho’s ethereal Lumière et Pesanteur adds to the ambience in this dazzling program led by Portuguese conductor Dinis Sousa in his SLSO debut. MacArthur Genius Fellowship awardee and Avery Fisher Prize recipient Jeremy Denk takes on Bartók’s fiery Piano Concerto No. 2, delivering inimitable expressive power.

- As a young child, Béla Bartók showed an exceptional natural ability for music, particularly on the piano, learning more than 40 pieces by the age of four. His piano concertos are known today as some of the most difficult to perform.
- One of today’s most accomplished musicians, pianist Jeremy Denk is also a New York Times bestselling author for his memoir, Every Good Boy Does Fine, called a “love letter to music” by fellow pianist Conrad Tao.
- Dinis Sousa first attended school in London with the goal of becoming a filmmaker. After switching his studies to music, Sousa entered the world of conducting. He is the founder of Orquestra XXI, a Portuguese orchestra for highly accomplished young musicians.

Artists

Meet the people that make the music.

Dinis Sousa

Conductor

Jeremy Denk

Piano

Musicians of the SLSO

Special Thanks

Coffee Concert Series Supported by EverTrue
Friday morning complimentary refreshments courtesy of Kaldi’s Coffee Roasting Co. and Eddie’s Southtown Donuts

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Dinis Sousa makes his SLSO debut conducting music filled with rolling hills and sunlight, and pianist Jeremy Denk intensifies every note of Bartók’s powerful piano concerto.

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Dvořák’s Eighth

Bohemian Dreams

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Program

About this Concert

A few things to know

Artists

Dinis Sousa

Jeremy Denk

Musicians of the SLSO

Special Thanks

Plan Your Visit

Brahms’ Third

Rachmaninoff’s Symphonic Dances

Playlist: Symphony Happy Hour

Salomé and Elektra

Prokofiev and Connesson

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