Sunday, October 11, 2015

Concert Review for "Rhythm of the Drum" by Andie Anderson

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, 2015



From 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 I

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s02gzbrGaoU

Part IV
Sunrise with video enhancement: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IX5UBR2K1i0

(filmed out near Three Peaks.)

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