Season Finale Takes You to the "Glorious Galaxies"

Take to the Stars with the Orchestra of Southern Utah’s April Concert: Glorious Galaxies

Written By Tanisa Crosby

            The Orchestra of Southern Utah (OSU) is thrilled to announce their final concert for the 2017-2018 season, Glorious Galaxies.  The concert will take place on Thursday, April 12, 7:30 p.m.at the Heritage Theatre.  The orchestra is shooting for the stars, bringing in guest soloist Matthew Clegg, giving a world premiere of a piece by Alex Byers, and OSU will be joined by artists from Aerobatic Performing Arts.

The OSU takes to the stars with a world premiere of “When I Consider the Heavens” by Alex J. Byers, Canyon View High School’s very own Choral Conductor. Emily Hepworth, OSU Manager, explained that “the piece is a tribute to cancer victims, giving peace of mind and hope.” Byers has performed as an OSU Soloist and a R.L. Halversen Young Artist Composition winner. An SUU Alumni, Matthew Clegg, returns to Cedar City to sing the famous aria La Donna Mobile from Rigoletto by Verdi, You Raise Me Up, and the vocal solo on Alex Byers composition. Clegg is currently a DMA candidate at the University of Nebraksa-Lincoln.

 The Orchestra is excited to take on the challenge of Holst’s The Planets with silk rope aerobatics.  The movements that will be featured in this concert will be Mars (Bringer of War), Venus (Bringer of Peace), and Jupiter (Bringer of Jollity).  During these movements, Silk Aerial Aerobatics will be performed in front of the orchestra.  It’s sure to be an exciting collaboration between music and stunning visual movement.  

Throughout the season, patrons have been voting, with generous donations, between Star Trek and Star Wars. Come see what received the most votes!

            The Concert will take place on Thursday, April 12 at the Heritage Center (105 North 100 East, Cedar City, UT – located behind Lin’s) and will begin at 7:30 PM.  Lobby music begins at 6:45 featuring Cedar Music Store and Studio’s Children’s Choir directed by Jolene Heit. 

            You are invited to enjoy an evening of exciting and sublime music. Children 6 and up are welcome to attend the concert with adult supervision.  Ticket prices are as follows: Adults $12, Students $5, and Groups of up to 6 costs $40.  Tickets are available now by either by phone (435-233-8213) or by purchase at Heritage (Festival Hall) Box Office.

Date: April 12, 2018 Glorious Galaxies at 7:30 pm

Heritage Theater: 105 N 100 E

Tickets- $12 Adults and $5 Students. Groups up to 6 $40.

Lobby Music starts at 6:45 with Children's Choir

More information: 435-233-8213

Listening Links to preview music: http://osulistening.blogspot.com/2018/03/glorious-galaxies-concert-listening.html

Coloring Page to get you in the mood for music for the Glorious Galaxies Concert:

Dover Publications: free sample

More info on Dover Books source:
http://store.doverpublications.com/0486804801.html

Spring Dates for Your Calendars: April 12 and May 11

Aerial artists on silk ropes suspended in front of the orchestra for Mars, Venus, and Jupiter from Holst's Planets.  Matthew Clegg, guest vocalist, and much more at season finale.  Get April 12 on your calendars for the OSU concert. 

"Aerobatic Performing Arts" guest artists with OSU on April 12

Join us for a Party on May 11

Join us for our annual OSU patron and musician party. Tickets now available.  If you have a season ticket voucher you may exchange for ticket at April 12 concert. 

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Call for Donations Information Below

Remember to include your name and address with donations brought to Whittlesticks so we can get you a thank you tax donation letter.  Thanks in advance.  We so appreciate the wonderful support of our community.

More information:  Emily Hepworth, Manager, 435-233-8213 

Xun Sun Guest Conducts Ukranian Orchestra

OSU Music Director Xun Sun on Ukrainian Performance on Feb. 24, 2018:

The orchestra I went to conduct is the Khmelnisky Regional Philharmonic of Ukraine ( like the Utah Symphony in Utah state). The event was the IX International Music Festival with musicians coming from 8 countries for a total 12 concerts. I was the only conductor who came from the United States of America and I conducted the opening concert. The event was broadcast on the major local media and on television. The program included Lysenko's Overture to Taras Bulba from a well known Ukrainian Opera, Schubert Symphony No. 8 " Unfinished Symphony", Schumann Piano Concerto and we also played some American music: the Hoe Down by Copland. This was the first time the orchestra had play this piece and the audience loved it so much. 

The musicians are very disciplined and played extremely well, they worked hard and were well prepared. Even though I do not speak the Ukrainian language I had no problem communicating with the musicians because music is a universal language. The people treated me so warmly and friendly. Though the weather was not good with snow every day we worked together and were very happy and excited for this performance. I appreciated this great opportunity to see this country and to share my music with the Ukrainian people.  I also shared with them great things about my hometown of Cedar City in Southern Utah and they really respected that.  It is absolutely meaningful to my life, I want to thank the music director Alexander Dragan and the members of the Khmenitsky Philharmonic for this experience.