Friday, February 19, 2021

Romantic Film Classics on Thursday, Feb. 25th

Local Choirs from Cedar High School Madrigals and Gateway Preparatory Academy Concert Choir prepare to take audiences on journey through Romantic Film Scores directed by Carylee Zwang. Rehearsal photo.


Poster design by Rollan Fell

Soloist Tamara Reber for the Titanic theme

Orchestra of Southern Utah Embarks on Adventure and Romance of Classic Films

By Mary Furse

It begins with a captive in bonds, far away from home. Or two young people falling in love who must face boundaries set by time or social division. Or a boy with big dreams stuck on a farm, staring into a binary sunset and all the possibilities out there. It's the opening to a story of romance, in the sense of adventure and transformation, and yes, often love. This is how the hero's journey begins, and it’s also the first step for those of us who come along. Join the Orchestra of Southern Utah Feb 25th, 7:30pm at the Heritage Theatre in Cedar City for Romantic Film Classics.


A film’s music is largely responsible for drawing us into its larger world and into the hearts of its heroes. It connects us to them, helps us even see ourselves in them. With the Orchestra of Southern Utah, conducted by Carylee Zwang, come relive stirring moments from these iconic films: Titanic (James Horner), Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves (Michael Kamen), West Side Story (Leonard Bernstein), Somewhere in Time (John Barry), Spartacus (Aram Khachturian), and Star Wars Episodes IV – VI (John Williams). One could say that all these films tell the same basic story. But some of them focus more on love against the odds while others tell of the fight for freedom against tyranny. The music of each film illustrates and enhances its distinctive setting, conflict, tragedy, and triumph.

From the romantic films, the music of Titanic, with emotive swells as deep and enduring as the sea, will feature the voices of soloist Tamara Reber  and local middle and high school choirs From Cedar High School and Gateway Preparatory Academy. The theme of Somewhere in Time will invite us into tender moments between two who could not be kept apart even by time. The colorful music from West Side Story represents two enemy factions and the romance between those who valued love over the conflict.

In the realm of adventure, a heroic fanfare will bring us the thrill of watching an outlaw and his friends fight for the oppressed and the ones they care for. Then with noble tones from Spartacus we will follow a slave as he leads the oppressed against the might of Rome, to free them and the ones he loves. Finally, the sweeping and epic music of John Williams will transport us back to a faraway galaxy where a farm boy not only strikes a blow to the tyrannical Empire’s power, but reveals the good beneath the darkness in a father who hides behind a mask.

In every one of these romances and adventures, there’s a potential for our heroes to find family, love, and themselves. The music brings this home to us in ways nothing else can. Perhaps it will help us find a little more of ourselves, and that there’s a place for each of us.

Answer the call to adventure and romance Thursday, February 25 at 7:30 p.m. at the Heritage Theater or stream the concert online February 27, 10:00am. Tickets will be required to attend either in person or online. An access code for streaming will be provided with ticket purchase. Ticket prices are as follows: $12 for adults, $6 for children, and $6 for students. Children over six are welcome with adult supervision. No babies please as the concert is being recorded. Tickets are now available online at www.myosu.org.


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Date: February 25, 2021 at 7:30 p.m., Masterful Romance

Heritage Theater: 105 N 100 E Cedar City, UT 84720

Tickets: $12 Adults, $6 Children, and $6 Students

More information and tickets: myosu.org


Preview the music with blue links:


Spartacus by Khachaturian Adagio from ballet

Somewhere in Time Theme composed by John Barry


Star Wars Epic - Part II by John Williams arr. Robert W. Smith Music with score




 

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