Carnegie Hall

In 1934 at Carnegie Hall, Dawson’s Negro Folk Symphony received its New York premiere, which was met with wild enthusiasm by audiences. Prominent critics called it “the most distinctive and promising American symphonic proclamation which has so far been achieved” (New York American). Tonight, The Met Orchestra offers a rare opportunity to hear this now-shockingly neglected work, which remains every bit as powerful today. Plus, hear Metropolitan Opera star Isabel Leonard in a favorite from West Side Story and Barber’s gorgeous Knoxville: Summer of 1915. The concert concludes with the spirited Fancy Free, Bernstein’s first collaboration with choreographer Jerome Robbins.