Friday, October 5, 2018

"Stormy Highlights" Opens Orchestra Concert Season




            “There is peace even in the storm,” said Vincent Van Gogh. The Orchestra of Southern Utah is set to explore the excitement and drama of musical storms on Thursday, Oct. 11, at 7:30 p.m. in the Heritage Center complete with three community choirs: Red Rock Singers, Master Singers Men’s Chorus, and In Jubilo (A Women’s Chorale).

Choral works open the beginning of this exciting concert and feature songs showcasing the textures, emotions and stories inspired by stormy weather.

The Master Singers will perform a classic American song “Stormy Weather” by Harold Arlen and arranged by Hal Campbell.  The “Snow Legend” by American composer Joseph Clokey is based on a text by Anna Temple and arranged by Caroleen Lee.  Alan Lee directs the Master Singers with Danny Hansen as pianist.

            Red Rock Singers will perform “Rainsong” by Houston Bright and “The Wisdom of the Moon” by Susan La Barr.  The local choir is directed by Keith Bradshaw with Tracey Bradshaw as pianist.

            In Jubilo sings a dramatic “Famine Song” composed by Vida and “The Poet Sings” by Stroope.  Take a journey with “High Flight” as it recaptures a test flight from 1941 in poetry by John Magee. It is one of the most famous aviation poems ever written.  Jackie Riddle-Jackson serves as In Jubilo director.  Teresa Redd serves as pianist.

             Jackie Riddle Jackson brings these dynamic choirs together to join voices and sing the “National Weather Forecast” by Henry Mollicone a piece that is sure to entertain.
           
The Orchestra of Southern Utah will be performing the second half under the direction of Xun Sun opening with the familiar Sorcerer’s Apprentice by Dukas. Based on a poem by Goethe and popularized with Mickey Mouse, this is a musical adventure complete with crashing percussion and exacting woodwind passages. OSU also performs the dramatic Storm Overture by Tchaikovsky inspired by a play written in 1864. The composer was just 24 years old when he wrote it and this early work portends the dramatic orchestrations yet to come that we are so familiar with.  The final orchestra piece is a Lion Dance by Yiping Wang. For thousands of years the Chinese have performed the Lion Dance for auspicious occasions, with the powerful lion chasing away evil and bringing good fortune. Enjoy the colors and pulsing rhythms depicted in this traditional Chinese piece.

Major sponsors for this concert is the RAP Fund for Recreation, Arts and Parks through Cedar City.  “OSU thanks all financial supporters for making it possible for us to present live music,” said Rebekah Hughes, OSU Manager.

The Concert takes place on October 11 at the Heritage Center (105 North 100 East, Cedar City) begins at 7:30 pm.  Children over 6 are welcome with adult supervision. No babies please as the concert is recorded. Tickets are $12 for adults and $6 for students. Season Tickets (Soiree Included) cost $45. Tickets are available now by either phone (435-592-6051) or by purchase at Heritage Center/Festival Hall.

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October 11, 2017: Stormy Highlights by OSU at 7:30 pm
Heritage Theater: 105 N 100 E
Tickets- $12 Adults and $6 Students. Groups up to 6 $40.

More information:
Rebekah Hughes
Phone: (435) 592-6051

(poster design by Rollan Fell of the Print Shoppe)

Listening previews:  Click here to hear some of the music.


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