October Concerts include "Carnival of Animals"

You are invited to the opening concerts for the Orchestra of Southern Utah. Tickets at https://www.myosu.org

Orchestra of Southern Utah opening concert features Carnival of the Animals by Saint-Saens, "October" by Whitacre, and "Africa" by Marshall McDonald and Steven Sharp Nelson on Thursday, Oct. 19, at 7:30 p.m. at the Heritage Theatre. Tickets available by myosu.org. Conductors are Carylee Zwang and David Jordan. The Canyon View Choir will join the orchestra as well as a plethora of percussionists for Africa. Piano soloists for Carnival of the Animals are Christian Bohnenstengel and Bridger Ivie. The Southern Utah String Quartet will provide lobby music. 

Children’s Jubilee set for Saturday, Oct. 21, at the Heritage Theatre. Lobby activities begin at 12 noon with exhibits from community and SUU presenters featuring art, science, and music. The concert at 2 p.m. features the delightful “Carnival of Animals” with guest pianists Christian Bohnenstengel and Bridger Ivie with Carylee Zwang directing the full symphony orchestra. Tickets are just $5 per person with babies free. One free admission with three cans of food for Iron County Care and Share. This is a fun family afternoon and suitable for all ages.

Concert Article to Share:

Piano Soloists Perform Carnival of the Animals in the Orchestra of Southern Utah’s

Opening Concert, “Our Radiant World”

Written by Frances Hartzell

The Orchestra of Southern Utah invites you to embark on a journey through nature itself, on

October 19, 2023, at 7:30 PM in the Heritage Center Theater. Of particular note is the

wonderfully comedic work, Carnival of the Animals, composed by Camille Saint-Saëns. Written

for piano duet and orchestral accompaniment, this performance is sure to be a wonderful

experience for all listeners. Experience piano soloists Christian Bohnenstengel and Bridger Ivie

as they join the orchestra to bring the majesty of the animal kingdom to life. In addition, we

invite you to enjoy the seasons of the earth through Eric Whitacre’s October, and lands far from

us in Marshall McDonald and Steven Sharp Nelson’s Africa, featuring the Canyon View

Madrigals choir.

Soloist Dr Christian Bohnenstengel is one of the most well rounded and experienced pianists

Southern Utah could ask for. Adept in genres ranging from classical to jazz to improvisation,

Bohnenstengel is sure to present audiences with a stunning performance. Aalener Nachrichten, a

German newspaper, has even deemed Bohnenstengel “a master of contrast” for this very ability

to perform wonderfully in many different genres. Ivie, an accomplished Southern Utah

University senior, and Bohnenstengel, a professional performer and teacher to Ivie, are

guaranteed to enchant and amaze the audience with their musical abilities.

Although the Carnival of the Animals is sure to be the highlight of the evening, Africa and

October, will certainly be performed in equal measure and ability. Africa, written by Marshall

McDonald and Steven Sharp Nelson, showcases the intricacies of Africa’s musical traditions,

rhythms, and culture. To accomplish this, the Orchestra of Southern Utah will be joined by the

Canyon View High School Madrigals choir. Under the direction of Carylee Zwang and Alex

Byers, musicians will guide you on a journey through the movements of Africa, titled Birth,

Adolescence, Development, Age, and Life Beyond. Listen closely for the hand drums, which beat

out dance rhythms inspired by cultural African drum beats. This piece was originally commissioned by the Orchestra of Southern Utah.

October, by Eric Whitacre and directed by David Jordan, is sure to remind audiences of the peace and quiet sentimentality that comes with the fall season. Originally composed as a choral work, Whitacre’s signature cluster chords are being performed instead by the orchestra, and blend together to create a straightforward, yet beautiful and haunting melody.

Our Radiant World, conducted by Carylee Zwang and David Jordan, will be performed on

Thursday, October 19, 2023, at 7:30 PM in the Heritage Center Theater. Tickets are currently on

sale for advance purchase at www.myosu.org. They will also be available for purchase at the box

office for one hour before the show begins, however it is strongly recommended to purchase

tickets in advance. Adult tickets are $12, and students over 6 years old tickets are $6. Please, no

babies, as each performance is recorded. Orchestra of Southern Utah season ticket holders are

provided with automatic reservations.

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For Calendars:

Dates: October 19, 2023, at 7:30 p.m.

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

OSU Our Radiant World Concert Tickets: $12 Adults, $6 Students over 6

More Information: myosu.org

Guest Piano Soloists

Christian Bohnenstengal

Bridger Ivie

"Luminous" Season Tickets Now Available

OSU Music Director Carylee Zwang directing OSU musicians for season video.
Season introduction video

Orchestra of Southern Utah’s Luminous Season Begins

Written by Rebekah Gonzalez

After a record setting 22/23 season the Orchestra of Southern Utah is back and intends to once again inspire you with its 23/24 season themed “Luminous”.  Director Carylee Zwang and Assistant Conductor David Jordan promise that those who attend will be taken on a journey filled with awe and imagination. Season tickets for this are on sale now.

The Orchestra commenced rehearsals in early August and have been working diligently to bring nothing but the best to the Iron County/Cedar City community. The Orchestra boasts 80-100 musicians for the opening concert, combining a full symphonic orchestra, choir and hand drums.  Based on the season theme, Luminous, the Orchestra’s first concert “Our Radiant World” will take place Oct 19, 7:30 pm at the Heritage Theatre and will celebrate the glowing and wondrous things that make our world shine.

"Our Radiant World" will highlight and feature the majestic radiant place this earth is by performing music that depicts the continents, seasons and animals that are a part of this world. Soloists Christian Bohnenstengel and Bridger Ivie, alongside the Orchestra will portray Saint Saens’ magnificent and beautiful creatures in Carnival of the Animals, followed by the transcendent tones of Eric Whitacre's October, ending with the vibrant chants, hand drums and soaring melodies of Marshall McDonald and Steven Sharp Nelson’s Africa, featuring the Canyon View Madrigals.

The orchestra will follow this phenomenal concert with the Children’s Jubilee on Saturday, October 21st, at the Heritage Theatre. Children and families are welcome to this yearly tradition as science, technology, English, arts, and music activities fill the lobby and provide fun, enriching and entertaining activities for the whole family. Lobby activities are 12 noon to 2:00 pm and the Orchestra will then perform a shortened family friendly concert from 2:00-2:30 pm  in the Heritage Theatre Hall. Families you don’t want to miss out on this delightful fall event. 

If you enjoyed the Rock Gold concert last season you will not want to miss the lively and equally engaging “Holiday Magic” concert, as director Carylee Zwang plans to “knock your socks off”. For the first year ever, the orchestra will be hosting a community holiday concert on November 30th, 7:30 pm. Nutcracker dancers, and other talented community groups such as the Master Singers and In Jubilo, will join forces with the orchestra and grace the halls of the Heritage Theater with the strains of your favorite and beloved holiday tunes. The orchestra is thrilled to be able to perform classic Christmas melodies from Sleigh Ride, White Christmas, The Nutcracker and many more. This concert is sure to swell your heart with holiday spirit. 

Under the direction of Jackie Riddle Jackson, the orchestra will be joining with the Southern Utah Chorale to perform the regal and majestic Messiah by G.F Handel. For over 80 years the orchestra has carried this tradition in Cedar City and Iron County and will again be offering this performance of "Unparalleled Majesty" free to the public on December 10th and 11th thanks to the sponsorship of State Bank of Southern Utah and the Leavitt Group . Season ticket holders have first choice of tickets, and the general public will be able to access and reserve their tickets on Nov 24th, at 9:00am. Tickets are distributed quickly, so we highly recommend purchasing a Season ticket to ensure your place at this glorious annual event.

In the wake of these sacred and festive concerts, the orchestra will delve into the luminous historical era of enlightenment and reformation on Feb 15th, with Felix Mendelsshon’s full Symphony No. 5, Op. 107. Experience the familiar and powerful chords of Zarathustra and the enlightened and inspired explorative compositions from Holst's The Planets. This strong and well known classical repertoire will delight and satisfy all who attend.

The final season concert looks to the Luminous future with  the Hal Campbell Young Composer Concert Series. This composition event is held in honor of beloved Hal Campbell and gives young aspiring composers the opportunity to have their works performed by a full symphonic orchestra. In celebration of this event and the close of the "Luminous" season, the orchestra is proud to present the world premiere of a composition by none other than Marshall McDonald. Don’t miss out on this exuberant evening where the orchestra unveils undiscovered talents and new musical works.  

Season Tickets and Concert Tickets are now available at www.myosu.org. Messiah reservations are complimentary with the purchase of Season Tickets. Individual concert ticket prices are as follows: $12 for adults, $6 for children, and $6 for students. 

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For Calendars:

Dates: Concert - October 19, 2023 at 7:30 p.m., Our Radiant World

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

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

Tickets & More information: myosu.org

 Preview the music at listening links

Season brochure:

Become an OSU sponsor: 

Thanks to Everyone Who Made the 'Roaring 20s Soiree" a Success

Such a fun evening with a jazz ensemble and harp music, yummy food organized by Lisa Cox and silent auction directed by Amy Gold.  Board member Jenifer Terry was a wonderful director of festivities.

We appreciate all of the participants, donors, musicians, and volunteers who helped set up, run, and take down the event. If you have a favorite photo to share please send to osucedarcity@gmail.com.

Thanks again to everyone who made the Soiree possible. We didn't manage to get photos of everyone, but hopefully this will give you an idea of the event. It was fun that so many people dressed up for the theme.

If you are able to make a donation to help your orchestra please use the Support OSU button at https://www.myosu.org or mail a check to:

OSU, P.O. Box 312, Cedar City, UT 84721.  We are a 501(3)c non-profit so donations are tax deductible.

Behind the scenes and some of the many helpers: 

Lisa Cox and the refreshment team

Special thanks to Carol Ann Modesitt for sharing the gorgeous dresses from the "Ghosts of Gatsby" opera.

R. L. Halversen 2023 Concert Photos

Congratulations to the R.L. Halversen soloists on their fine performances.  Thanks to everyone who participated. We appreciate your support of your orchestra. Thanks to musicians, OSU staff and patrons for sharing their photographs. 

Final Bows

Carylee Zwang conducting

David Jordan conducting

Conductor Carylee Zwang with the soloists

Lobby display with thanks to Carol Ann Modesitt for sharing a 20's dress. Tickets for the Soiree at https://www.myosu.org

Tyler Neilson - Brahms

Adelle Clarke - Kabalevsky

Mackenzie Williams - Puccini

Bubba Akins -Vaughan Williams

Season finale reception downstairs after the concert 

Orchestra Musicians

Violin 1

Heather Wilhelm (Concertmaster), Carol Sue Ettinger, Rebecca Cox, Clark Leslie, Patty Walser, RaKell Heaton, Ronda Gardner,

Violin 2

Lindsay Szczesny, Suzanne Tegland, Audrey Zerkle, Marie Adams, Lori Ipson, Kaitlyn Esplin, Sandra Gale, Calli Price, Linda Reeves

Viola

Kaycee Etchart, Carol Davis, Aubrie Ransom, Riley Howard, Kasy Hinton

Cello

Nina Hansen, Leah Brown, Brooke MacNaughtan, Carson Butler, Joe VanDuren, Caitlyn Hughes, Sam Hodnett, Kyle Ransom, Emily White

Bass 

Freya Carlson, Jon Whittaker

Woodwinds

Ariel Rhoades, Crystal VanDuren, Tanisa Crosby, Ashley Davis, Patrice Montgomery, April Richardson, Sarah Solberg, Christina Fithian, Colette Neish, Mindy Templin, Benjamin Bradshaw

Brass 

Amanda Davis, Debbie Nollan, Will Zeller, Alex Boehmer, Pete Akins, Melanie Warner, Samuel Allen, Ruth Zeller, JP Melchoir, Aaron Templin

Percussion 

David Jordan, Ian Shaw, Nina Podmenik, Lindsey Curtis, Melanie Forsyth

Keyboard/Harp 

Sunny Chen

Complete program at https://www.myosu.org