DAHA celebrated Antonín Dvořák’s 180th birthday with a walking tour and concert in Stuyvesant Square Park and neighborhood. It was the first in-person event in over 18 months.

At 1 PM the tour group explored the East 17th Street neighborhood where Dvořák resided from 1892-95 while the director of the National Conservatory of Music of America and composing the world-famous Symphony “From the New World” and other important works. Cultural historian Majda Kallab Whitaker of DAHA led the group through the 19th century historic district, and author Jean Snyder spoke from the steps of St. George’s Episcopal Church about the African-American composer and baritone singer Harry T. Burleigh, who inspired Dvořák with his singing of spirituals.

At 2 PM the numerous attendees heard a festive open-air performance of Dvořák’s Serenade in D minor for Winds, Violoncello, and Contrabass, Op. 44, played by the Metamorphosis Chamber Orchestra under the direction of Carl C. Bettendorf. The concert was held near the Dvořák Statue in Stuyvesant Square Park. DAHA President and Founding Member Susan Lucak opened the program with remarks about Dvořák’s New York home and American legacy.

At 3 PM St. George’s Episcopal Church and The Harry T. Burleigh Society hosted a Street Co-Naming Ceremony at the corner of 16th Street and 3rd Avenue - officially re-naming one block of 16th Street “Harry T. Burleigh Place”- followed by a musical program in the historic Church where Burleigh sang in the choir for 52 years. (In 1992, 17th Street between 1st and 2nd Avenues was re-named “Dvořák Place.”)

The event celebrated the birth of Antonin Dvořák (1841-1904) on September 8th, 1841; and the life of Harry T. Burleigh (1866-1949), who died on September 12, 1949.

For additional coverage of the event, view this online article HERE (in Czech only).

This event was supported by the Bohemian Benevolent and Literary Association.