Symphony NB: Hope Springs Eternal

Symphony New Brunswick collaborates with Sophia Recovery Centre to explore music of resilience, featuring Florence Price’s “Andante Moderato”; Beethoven’s 7th Symphony; and the world premiere of “Symphonic Songs of Hope” by New Brunswick composer Ludmila Knezkova-Hussey, with lyrics by clients of Sophia Recovery Centre.

The program features Florence Price’s “Andante Moderato,” a piece that weaves together classical traditions with the composer’s unique African-American heritage. Price’s composition sets the stage for an evening of emotional depth and resonance.

The evening also features the world premiere of “Symphonic Songs of Hope,” a piece created by New Brunswick composer Ludmila Knezkova-Hussey, with words and text by clients of Sophia Recovery Centre. Born from a 2023 Singer-Songwriter Workshop, these songs feature lyrics created by women at the Centre exploring their journey through adversity. Workshop participants crafted these powerful words through music, free-writes, and poetry over several weeks in a supportive environment. Performed by mezzo-soprano & social worker Beste Kalender, these compositions represent the emotional landscape of hope, humor, joy, loneliness, and sorrow experienced by these brave women.

The concert culminates with Beethoven’s Seventh Symphony, once described by Richard Wagner as “the apotheosis of dance.” Its infectious rhythms and triumphant spirit embody the evening’s theme of hope persevering through adversity—a fitting conclusion to a program that celebrates the human capacity for transformation.

“Hope Springs Eternal” features Symphony New Brunswick under the direction of Maestra Mélanie Léonard. Tickets available at www.symphonynb.ca/events.