SC Philharmonic presents Capital Concert Season finale: From the New World

The South Carolina Philharmonic closes its Capital Concert Series with the highly anticipated season finale, From the New World, on Saturday, April 25, 2026, 7:30 PM at the Koger Center for the Arts. This special concert honors the generous support of the City of Columbia, Richland County, and the South Carolina Arts Commission, whose partnerships sustain the orchestra’s mission and impact in the community.

This inspiring program explores themes of journey, heritage, and home through three iconic works. Antonín Dvořák’s Symphony No. 9, “From the New World”—which gives the concert its name—captures the composer’s impressions of America, drawing on spirituals and folk influences to create one of the most beloved symphonies in the repertoire. Aaron Copland’s Appalachian Spring Suite evokes a distinctly American sense of openness and possibility.

The program opens with one of today’s most important contemporary composers, Valerie Coleman, whose music continues to shape the sound of American classical music. Her Umoja – Anthem of Unity—the Swahili word for “unity” and the first principle of Kwanzaa—began as a simple song and has grown into a vibrant orchestral work rooted in communal traditions like call-and-response and rhythmic pulse. The piece unfolds as an expressive journey, moving through moments of reflection and tension before culminating in a bold, uplifting call for togetherness. Umoja offers a resonant and hopeful conclusion—celebrating connection, shared humanity, and the power of music to bring people together.

A special highlight of the evening will feature the SC Philharmonic performing side-by-side with the SC Philharmonic Youth Orchestra, showcasing the next generation of musicians in a powerful display of mentorship and collaboration. Witness the joy of musical kinship as professionals and young artists unite on one stage for an evening that celebrates unity, American roots, and the boundless promise of the next generation.

This concert is part of the Philharmonic’s Season 61 Capital Concert Series, “Your Brain on Art,” and promises both longtime classical music lovers and new audiences an opportunity to improve their headspace with a world-class performance. Single tickets  are $27 – $71 and can be purchased at scphilharmonic.com or by calling the Koger Center Box Office at (803) 251-2222, Mon-Fri. 9 AM-5 PM.

The South Carolina Philharmonic is committed to performing live symphonic music and providing dynamic educational opportunities in the Midlands. We carry forward a legacy of passion for the music and  embrace our responsibility to be a vibrant part of the cultural fabric of our diverse community.

For more information about the South Carolina Philharmonic, please visit SCPhilharmonic.com or follow on Facebook and Instagram.