Luckily we are never at a loss for natural wonder in our great state of Utah. Composers have looked to nature for inspirations for thousands of years, and our final concert of the 2016-2017 season features three works that depict nature with uniquely individual expressions. Dvo?ák’s In Nature’s Realm is a seldomly heard concert overture that expresses the nature of the composer’s native Bohemia. Inspired by Beethoven’s Pastorale Symphony, the work effectively imparts the feeling of being in the woods surrounding Prague. We will also feature our concertmaster, Elizabeth Palmer, in Vivaldi’s Spring from the Four Seasons, one of the finest depictions of nature ever written—-and it’s a concerto! We conclude with American composer Ferde Grofé’s signature work, the Grand Canyon Suite. Musical sunrises, sunsets, storms and even a burro ride down to the floor of the Grand Canyon are all effectively portrayed in this beloved piece. So bring your virtual backpack and boots and join us as we venture outside with music. We’ll provide the musical compass!

Conductors
Xiao Ming

• Liu, Feng Festivity
• Hongye Ma and Lu Zheng The good news of Beijing to the Frontier
• Shostakovich Piano Concerto #2 Solo: Andrew Staupe, piano
• Brahms Symphony #3 (in F Major)

• Dvo?ák In Nature’s Realm (Op. 91)
• Vivaldi Spring from The Four Seasons
• Grofé Grand Canyon Suite