Maestro Hans Graf and the Houston Symphony launch the orchestra's 2013 programming this week with one of the most beloved works in the symphonic repertoire, Antonín Dvorak's Symphony No. 9, "From the New World."

The "New World" symphony was composed in the midst of the famed Czech composer's 1892-95 stay in the U.S., when he served as director of the New York Conservatory. The work reflects both Dvorak's homesickness for his native Bohemia and his appreciation of American Indian and African-American music. For this work, Dvorak created original themes suggesting the flavor and spirit of America's folk music but also - as in so many of his earlier works - indicative of his homeland. In effect, he tapped into the vitality common to folkloric strains of both the old and new worlds. Premiered at Carnegie Hall in December 1893, the "New World" was an instant success and has maintained its popularity ever since.

The program also includes Aaron Copland's "Quiet City" and Henri Dutilleux's Symphony No. 2, "Le Double."

Copland derived the 10-minute tone poem from the incidental music he originally created for Irwin Shaw's 1939 play "Quiet City." Orchestral film noir suggesting New York in the middle of the night, the piece will feature solo work by two Houston Symphony musicians: Mark Hughes, principal trumpet; and Adam Dinitz, English horn.

Dutilleux, the French composer who will turn 97 on Jan. 22, has been championed in the U.S. by the Boston Symphony, which premiered many of his works. He is known for blending more traditional forms with post-World War II innovations, combined in his own idiosyncratic style. Dutilleux devised his 1959 "Le Double" in an unusual format, dividing the orchestra into two groups: a smaller orchestra, downstage, with representatives from the various sections; and a larger one containing the rest of the musicians, upstage. The smaller ensemble sometimes mirrors the larger one with complementary themes but at other times creates contrast.

Friday's concert will be presented in the ACCESS format, with a shorter program (minus the Dutilleux work), hosted by NPR music commentator Miles Hoffman. A question-and-answer session with Hoffman and several of the artists will follow the concert.

Performances are at 8 p.m. Friday-Saturday, 2:30 p.m. Jan. 13, at Jones Hall, 615 Louisiana. Tickets are $29-$127 at 713-224-7575.

Everett Evans