Grace Concert Series
2024-25 Season
Saturday, October 26, 2024 at 3:30 pm
The New World
with Ondřej Horňas, organ
Enjoy the immersive sounds of the organ in our beautiful sanctuary as organist Ondřej Horňas performs Antonín Dvořák’s Symphony No. 9, “From the New World” as arranged for organ by Zsigmond Szathmáry. As he is Czech himself, Mr. Horňas brings a nuanced perspective to the well-known work of the great Czech composer. Dvořák wrote this symphony in 1893 while he was the director of the National Conservatory of Music of America in New York. Interested in Native American music and African-American spirituals, Dvořák created original themes and rhythms based on his interpretation of indigenous melodies, combining them with …”modern rhythms, counterpoint, and orchestral color.”[1]
Admission is free and all are welcome. Donations will be accepted and all offerings will support Richmond Metropolitan Habitat for Humanity in their mission to help find everyone in our community a decent place to live.
About Richmond Metropolitan Habitat for Humanity:
Habitat’s mission is "Seeking to put God's love into action, Richmond Metropolitan Habitat for Humanity brings people together to build homes, communities, and hope." They build to help make affordable and safe housing for low-income individuals and families a reality. Habitat builds for a world where everyone has a decent place to live. Since their start in 1986, Habitat has built 393 homes and completed over 150 critical home repairs in the Greater Richmond area - serving Henrico and Chesterfield counties as well as the City of Richmond.
Habitat believes that everyone can make a difference. As a community of different beliefs, backgrounds, religious and non-religious worldviews, Habitat brings people together to celebrate diversity and honor their shared commitment to the common good. They have interfaith partners that represent all denominations and faiths. For more information on Habitat’s work and how to get involved, contact Burdette Robinson, brobinson@richmondhabitat.org.
[1] Antonín Dvořák as quoted in: Neas, Patrick (4 March 2017). "The Classical Beat: ... Dvorak at Helzberg Hall". Kansas City Star.
Meet the Artist:
Ondřej Horňas started his musical studies in P. Rajnoha organ class at Conservatoire in Olomouc (Czech Republic). From 2014, he continued studying at Janáček Music Academy in Brno under the tutelage of P. Černý, and in the academic year 2015-2016, he studied at Institut Supérieur des ARTS de Toulouse with French organist Michel Bouvard, taking a J. W. Jansen class within the Erasmus program as well.
Ondřej finished his studies by achieving a master’s degree in The Academy of Performing Arts in Prague.
During his studies at the conservatoire, Ondřej represented the school at conservatoire showcases. He took part in many organ masterclasses led by O. Latry, W. Zerer, Mallié, J. Tůma, T. Ospital, E. Wiersinga, M. Schmeding, and others. Ondřej also attended the Organ academy in Sarlat, France, led by Michael and Yasuko Bouvard. He participated in several organ competitions, including The 2nd Jan Kucharski International Organ Competition 2011 in Łódź, Poland, the International Organ Competition Premio Elvira Di Renna 2016 in Salerno, Italy, and Boëllmann-Gigout Concours 2016 in Strasbourg, France.
Ondřej performs concerts in the Czech Republic as well as abroad (USA, Germany, Austria, France, and Slovakia). He also accompanies vocalists, instrumentalists, and choirs. Ondřej’s lifelong passion is in organ transcriptions of great orchestral compositions (e. g. Dvořák’s Symphony “From the New World,” Vivaldi’s Four Seasons, Beethoven’s 5th Symphony), and currently, he works on authorial transcriptions.
Learn more about Ondřej Horňas and hear his previous performances here.
Upcoming Grace Concert Dates!
Saturday, October 26, 2024 at 3:30 pm
The New World with Organist Ondřej Horňas
Featuring Symphony No. 9, “From the New World” by Antonin Dvorak, arranged for organ by Zsigmond Szathmáry. Learn more about Ondřej Horňas here.
Saturday, January 25, 2025 at 3:30 pm
Harnsberger-Jones Marimba Duo
Featuring exhilarating arrangements and original works for solo and duo marimbas! Check out some of their past performances here.
Saturday, May 3, 2025 at 3:30 pm
The James River Ringers
Performing on six and a half octaves of Malmark English handbells, six octaves of handchimes and various other instruments, the James River Ringers is Richmond, Virginia’s premier auditioned community handbell ensemble dedicated to performing quality handbell music including hymn arrangements, classical works, show tunes, popular favorites, and original compositions.
Fall 2025 - TBD
One Voice Chorus
One Voice Chorus is a non-profit, non-auditioned, intentionally integrated community chorus bringing a musically diverse range of excellent choral performances to people in Richmond, VA and wherever there are those who need to hear their voice.
One Voice is founded on the belief that all people benefit from an understanding of the diverse world around us. They are dedicated to the idea that bringing together people of different backgrounds through music promotes not only kindness and respect, but an embrace of those differences. By demonstrating that there is so much more that unites us than divides us, we can help our community find the power in our collective strength.
More details about these performances to come soon!
About the
Grace Concert Series
The Grace Concert Series offers performances free to the public as a way of making the arts more accessible to all.
All donations collected benefit non-profit organizations and charitable causes to help those in need, particularly in the Greater Richmond community.
If you would like to help fund our artists and future programming, please consider making a donation. Thank you for your support!
Previous Performances
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