Columbian Te Deum

Shortly upon his arrival in the New World from his beloved native lands, Antonín Dvořák directed the Metropolitan (Opera) Orchestra and a chorus of 300 to celebrate the 400^th anniversary of the discovery of America. For this commemorative day, Dvořák composed, dedicated, and premiered his Columbian Te Deum. Actually, due to a fire at the Metropolitan Opera House, the celebration was held on October 21, 1892, at Carnegie Hall. Interestingly, however, the concert was preceded by a speech, which was by happenstance called "Two New Worlds: The New World of Columbus and the New World of Music." Seven months later, Antonín Dvořák composed his most famous symphony, From the New World.

Hear the sounds of Antonín Dvořák’s Te Deum performed by the Cathedral Choral Society at the sacred spiritual location and resource for people of all faiths in America, the Washington National Cathedral, on October 28, 2011, being also the National Day of the Czech Republic.