Events

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!

We open the season with the Salt Lake Symphony by continuing our tradition of presenting some of the finest talent in the State of Utah. Rachel Aina Call, 1st Prize Winner, Utah Division of the 2016 Stradivarius International Violin Competition will join us for Sibelius’ Violin Concert in D minor. The work captures all of the vibrant energy and muted color of Sibelius’ native Finland in a work full of melody and virtuosic violin playing. Libby Gardner’s magnificent organ will be featured on the second half of the program as organist Linda Margetts joins us for Saint-Saëns' powerful Organ Symphony (Symphony No. 3). Long considered one of Saint-Saëns' finest works, the symphony has been an audience favorite since its premiere in 1887. The concert will open with a delightful overture by William Walton, the Portsmouth Point Overture. The jazzy, rhythmic score depicts rambunctious life of British sailors as depicted in a painting by Thomas Rowlandson. In total it’s a concert that is sometimes reverent, sometimes rowdy and always exciting!

Beethoven’s Eroica is widely recognized as the first important Romantic era symphony. The interesting backstory (Beethoven originally dedicated it to Napoleon and then angrily withdrew the dedication when Bonaparte declared himself Emperor) only touches on the genius found in this symphony. Truly revolutionary, Beethoven’s 3^rd Symphony takes us on a journey into the human spirit, from the hopeful opening chords, into the depths of despair of the second movement, then returns to the heights of victory and joy in the Finale. Certainly one of music’s most heroic gestures, the other music on the program follows suit: Shostakovich’s Festive Overture (played side-by-side with our high school guests) and Mussorgsky’s seldom heard “Songs and Dances of Death.” Round out our program. bass-baritone Seth Keeton joins us to add his deeply resonant sound to the Mussorgsky songs. It’s a musical journey you won’t want to miss!

Tales of winter wonderlands abound in our December concert. The magical story of Rimsky Korsakov's Snow Maiden brings a Russian winter fairy tale to life. Similarly, a magical frozen landscape will arrive in the concert hall with another story from a cold land, Lemminkäinen’s Return, by Jan Sibelius. And what holiday would be complete without a visit from St. Nick? Audiences of all ages will be entranced with Anthony DiLorenzo's version of 'Twas the Night Before Christmas and early American composer William Henry Fry’s charming Santa Claus Symphony. Narrated by Nathan Florence and conducted by Matthew Mainella and Robert Baldwin, this program promises to be the most unique holiday program of the season, and guaranteed to expand your holiday horizons!

Fun and Reading are on the schedule for our annual Family Fun concert. Children’s classics will be translated in symphonic sound, including a short comic opera based on Green Eggs and Ham by Dr. Seuss. So bring the entire family for a symphonic story hour! The program is suitable for children of all ages.

The SLS proudly partners with the University of Utah’s Summer Arts Piano Competition to present some of the finest young talent in the Intermountain West. Join us for an evening of youthful energy, dazzling technique and great piano concertos.

We celebrate American music in our March concert, featuring names you know (Aaron Copland, Samuel Barber), and names you will not soon forget (Miguel Chuaqui, Alan Hovhaness, Peter Boyer). Boyer’s Symphony No. 1 rounds out the evening, marking the Utah premiere of this rising American composer’s work. We invite you to hear the scope of American classical music in an evening of variety and unity.

April brings guest conductor Russell Guyver to town for his first appearance, and also the return of pianist Andrew Staupe, an audience favorite from last season. A cornerstone of the orchestral repertoire, Schubert’s Unfinished Symphony will be played alongside two lesser-known works, Malcolm Arnold’s Scottish Dances and Tchaikovsky’s thrilling “other piano concerto,” the Piano Concerto No. 2. Come hear the familiar and soon-to-be familiar music at Libby Gardner Concert Hall!

Mozart’s Requiem has long been hailed as one of the great masterpieces of western art. To listen to this music is to be transported to a different time and space. Come hear the Salt Lake Symphony, Utah Voices and U of U Faculty Voice Quartet perform this masterpiece, as we bring our season to a close with style and gravitas. It’s a fitting end to a grand season of music.

Conductors
Robert Baldwin

• Prokofiev Peter and the Wolf 4870 S 2700 W

We open our season with a salute to rhythm. Stravinsky’s Petroushka is one if the composer’s earliest examples of mastery. In many ways, the piece set the stage for the Rite of Spring, appearing only two years after this ballet. We will be performing the original 1911 version, the version the young Stravinsky intended when it was composed. Also on the program is Silvestre Revueltas’ homage to sacrifice, Sensemaya. Revueltas’ music is highly evocative and will transport audiences to long-forgotten rituals and new musical vistas. Add to that Utah native and favorite pianist Josh Wright playing Saint-Saëns’ Piano Concerto No. 2, and it’s an evening to remember. Don’t miss it!

Local talent shines for our November concert. Dr. Peyden Shelton joins us from the University of Utah School of Music, performing Alexandra Pakhmutova’s dazzling Concerto for Trumpet and Orchestra. We will also perform the premiere of Utah composer Nathaniel Eschler’s Cherish, written specifically for the Salt Lake Symphony and marking the 10th Anniversary of the Salt Cricket Composers Collective. The SLS is pleased to collaborate with this organization and support our local composers. We also continue our tradition of playing side-by-side with some of the talented young musicians from the Salt Lake region. Youthful talent will join us to play Rossini’s effervescent Overture to Gazza Ladra. All of this AND Sibelius’ beloved Symphony No. 5, featuring YOUR Salt Lake Symphony! It’s an evening chock full of talent, music, and energy!