Antonín Dvořák; Johan Wagenaar - Symphony No. 9; Cyrano de Bergerac (Lahav Shani)

Information

Composer: Antonín Dvořák; Johan Wagenaar

• Wagenaar - Cyrano de Bergerac, Op. 23
• Dvořák - Symphony No. 9 in E Minor, Op. 95, B. 178 "From the New World"

Rotterdam Philharmonic Orchestra

Lahav Shani, conductor

Date: 2026

Label: Warner Classics

_____________________

This recording pairs Antonín Dvořák’s Symphony No. 9 “From the New World” with Johan Wagenaar’s concert overture Cyrano de Bergerac, performed by the Rotterdam Philharmonic Orchestra under Chief Conductor Lahav Shani. The symphony, written during Dvořák’s time in the United States and premiered in 1893, blends his Bohemian Romantic style with influences from African-American spirituals and Native American themes, notably in its iconic cor anglais melody from the second movement. The programme is complemented by Wagenaar’s richly orchestrated 1905 overture, inspired by Rostand’s play, which reflects a Strauss-like symphonic tone poem style. Together, the works span contrasting Romantic and early modern idioms, showcasing vivid orchestral colour, narrative power, and expressive breadth.

Lahav Shani, born in Tel Aviv in 1989, is a prominent conductor and pianist. In 2018/19, he succeeded Yannick Nézet-Séguin as Chief Conductor of the Rotterdam Philharmonic Orchestra, becoming the youngest to hold the role. In 2020/21, he will succeed Zubin Mehta as Music Director of the Israel Philharmonic Orchestra, where he has a longstanding relationship as conductor, pianist, and former double bassist. A regular guest with top orchestras worldwide, Shani also serves as Principal Guest Conductor of the Vienna Symphony. Trained in Tel Aviv and Berlin, he has worked closely with Daniel Barenboim and performs internationally as a pianist and chamber musician.

High Resolution 24-bit / 192 kHz