RHYTHM OF LIFE,
1ST in SERIES ~ RHYTHM OF THE DRUM October 8, 2015
The opening performance for the
2015-2016 musical season presented by the Orchestra
of Southern Utah at the Heritage
Center on Thursday evening last, brought new meaning to the Henry Wadsworth Longfellow’s
quote, “Music is the Universal Language of Man”!
An appreciative audience filled the
auditorium to capacity and after each performance stood applauding with
whistling sounds in admiration filling the air.
As I am NEW TO U…. The ambiance
was very exciting. I was so impressed
and mesmerized by the collective talent in this beautiful building, the Heritage
Center. The perfect venue for performing
artists in Cedar City.
The
Rhythm
of the Drum production was brilliant with each conductor and musician a
principal player. The SUU’s Drum line,
Piano and Snare Drum duet, and the Canyon View’s Marching Band had everyone’s
fingers snapping and toes dancing by setting the stage for the rest of the performances
as “Another One Bites the Dust” melody hung in the atmosphere.
Musical Director and Conductor, Xun
Sun, led the USO and Canyon High’s talented Advanced musicians to accompany the
featured soloist, Tang Bang, who commanded his French Horn to carry the audience
to new heights during his unforgettable rendition of Strauss’ “ French Horn
Concerto No. 1”.
Guest conductor, Xiao Ming, took the
podium with the OSC and Canyon High’s musicians to conduct the marching music
of the famed, John Phillip Sousa’s, “The Thunderer”; followed by a rendition of John Williams’ Star Wars Medley interpretation which was
thrilling.
The last performance was visual as
well as a musical delight, conducted by David Jordan. The audience sat very still and watched and
listened to the experience and history of the 1,200 trade route introduction by
Col. Al Matheson. The “Spanish Trail
Suite ~ Sunrise & Celebration” by Composers, Mr. Marshall McDonald, was in
the audience and came center stage to accept accolades. His collaborator, Steven Sharp Nelson, was
also acknowledged. They have performed
as the “Piano Guys” on PBS in several shows.
“Sunrise” is a tribute to the Paiute tribe and a representative (Brent Tom) sang a beautiful
song which brought tears to my eyes. “Celebration”
represents the Pioneers and their journey, culture and music. This was a new history lesson for me as it is
so much a part of Cedar City’s rich heritage set to memorable music and viewed
on the side panel screens for all to enjoy.
What a wonderful history saga. I
cannot tell you enough of how much this unforgettable experience has meant to
me.
If you missed the 1st performance
of the coming Season’s Rhythm of Life Series, definitely
plan to attend and participate in the subsequent five continuing Rhythm
productions; which includes December’s “Handel’s
Messiah” Chorale and in February, 2016, the Children’s “Aloha !” Jubilee afternoon performance. You will never get a better chance to see local
talent showcased and will not be disappointed.
By doing so, you will also contribute and partner to keep this venue of
continuing entertainment alive and well.
The musical talent in Cedar City,
Utah, is amazing! I am so lucky to be
here!
Andie
Anderson October 9, 2015From OSU: Thanks to all involved. This concert was part of the #UAHMONTH effort by the Utah Humanities. More info: https://www.facebook.com/events/901161983295812/. Program available for download: http://www.orchestraofsouthernutah.org/concerts/rhythm-drum
Links for Spanish Trail Suite:
accesses the video enhancement and composer interviews.
If you want to do those separately:
Composer and conductor interviews:
Part Ihttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s02gzbrGaoU
Sunrise with video enhancement: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IX5UBR2K1i0
Overview video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ghybOTp3Gyw
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