One of the greatest sources of inspiration for many composers is their country and culture, and this program features works in which the country of origin is beyond a doubt! There is perhaps no greater example of this type of composition than Sibelius’s “Finlandia,” a work so nationalistic that it had to be performed under the title “Impromptu” during the years that Finland was under the sway of the Russian Empire. Ironically, Joan Tower’s “Made in America,” a fantasia on “America the Beautiful,” was inspired by the years she spent as a child living in Bolivia, an experience that gave her an even greater appreciation for the opportunities our country offers.  And while there are countless examples of the influence of the Bohemian culture on the music of Antonin Dvořák, his Symphony No. 8 is a showcase for the charm and exuberance of the folk music that endlessly inspired one of the most successful composers of the 19th century!