A founding father of nationalism in classical music, Bohemian composer Antonín Dvořák urged American composers to draw inspiration from indigenous and Black musical styles—and provided eloquent examples in his own works composed during his journeys to America.

Antonín Dvořák String Quartet “American”
Antonín Dvořák Sonatina
Antonín Dvořák String Quintet “American”

Hesper String Quartet • Philip Setzer, violin • Dillon Scott, viola • Festival Young Artists

Manchester Music Festival, the renowned Vermont chamber music festival under the artistic direction of Philip Setzer of the Emerson String Quartet, returns for its 52nd season with “Sounding America: Music That Shaped US,” a journey across American music, exploring the enduring musical threads that connect America’s past and present. July 7 through September 6, 2026.

Image courtesy: Manchester Music Festival

Enjoy dinner at SVAC’s curATE café. Visit OpenTable for reservations or call 802.362.9100.