Orchestra’s Stellar Season Continues
The Orchestra of Southern Utah enthralled and delighted audiences with their Celebrating Musical Theatre Concert in October, receiving a standing ovation and performing an encore of their rendition of Les Mis. On the heels of that memorable event, the Orchestra performs “World Journey” on Thursday, November 17, 2011.
The concert features famous music from around the world, under the direction of OSU Conductor Xun Sun. The evening’s repertoire includes the instantly recognizable introduction to Thus Spake Zarathustra, better known as the electrifying theme from the movie 2001: A Space Odyssey. This piece is recognized in its initial brass fanfare, entitled “Sunrise.”
OSU performs Respighi’s Pines of Rome, as featured in Disney’s Fantasia 2000. This selection, a member of Respighi’s “Roman Trilogy,” is a particular delight to OSU musician Robert Gordon. “I’ve long wanted to play the Pines of Rome,” Gordon commented.” It’s one of my favorite contemporary numbers. Sitting in the midst of a large brass section, smack in the middle of a symphonic orchestra, is a great feeling.”
In speaking of both Thus Spake and Pines of Rome, Gordon stated, “Both of these numbers are fun to play and I’m sure they’ll be great fun for the audience as well.”
OSU is pleased to welcome composer Zhou Hong, who shares his composition Ritual ShenNong. This contemporary Chinese piece features the talented voices of the Southern Utah Chorale under the direction of Adrianne J. Tawa.
Zhou is the President of Henan Provincial Song and Dance Performance Group, Artistic Director and Chairman of Henan Musicians Association and Trustee of Chinese Musicians Association. His visit is a continuation of the friendships and journeys that have been made this year between Cedar City and China. He was instrumental in arranging for a delegation from OSU to travel and perform in China this past summer, as well as the trips made by the Southern Utah University dancers and musicians. The representatives from OSU and SUU performed in concerts and dance productions honoring Cedar City native Helen Foster Snow.
The Orchestra also performs Mozart’s final composition, “Jupiter” Symphony No. 41. “Our patron and musician surveys from last season requested more Mozart and in particular this piece,” said Sara Penny, OSU Manager.
The Orchestra of Southern Utah “World Journey” concert on Thursday, November 17 begins at 7:30 pm in the Heritage Center in Cedar City. Doors open at 6:45 pm. A Saxophone Ensemble under the direction of Tom Herb provides lobby music.
Tickets may be purchased for $10 adults and $5 for students (ages six and up); groups of six are $30 per concert. Tickets are available at the Heritage Center Box Office, 105 N 100 E or by calling 435-865-2282. Purchasing tickets in advance is recommended; Box Office hours are Monday-Friday from 10:00 am – 2:00 pm. Children over the age of six are welcome at all the concerts with adult supervision. OSU requests that babies and children less than six years old not attend as evening concerts are recorded.
