CONTRIBUTED CONTENT — The Southwest Symphony has begun another stellar season of bringing live classical music to Southern Utah. Experience the soaring melodies and intricate harmonies of some of history’s most extraordinary compositions, performed with passion and skill by local musicians.
Join the Southwest Symphony for an unforgettable evening of classical music on Friday, Sept. 22 as they present Saint-Saëns’ monumental Symphony No. 3, also called the “Organ Symphony.” Since its premiere in 1886, the composition has been performed less frequently than other symphonies of the Romantic era, mainly due to the requirement of a pipe organ.
“It’s just an incredible piece,” said Lucas Darger, music director of the Southwest Symphony. “It’s not easy bringing something like this together in St. George.”
The symphony will also perform Shostakovich’s powerful Cello Concerto No. 1 with special guest Ka-Wai Yu. A member of the music department at Utah Tech University, Yu is an internationally renowned concert cellist, music educator and scholar.
“He’s really a phenomenal talent,” Darger said. “He’s a local treasure here.”
The concert will be held at the Cox Performing Arts Center in St. George and starts at 7:30 p.m. The approximate runtime is 90 minutes, with a 15-minute intermission. Children under age 5 are not permitted.
Ticket prices range between $15.50 and $38 depending on the section. Discounts are available for students and seniors, as well as attendees who buy four or more tickets to the same performance. Additionally, a limited number of season tickets are available for only $125. Tickets may be purchased online or by calling the Utah Tech University ticket office at 435-652-7800.
Don’t miss your chance to be swept away by the power and beauty of live orchestral music during the Southwest Symphony’s 43rd performance season. This fascinating and diverse series of concerts will explore everything from centuries-old masterpieces to contemporary compositions.
Their next shows, set for Oct. 27-28, promise to transport listeners of all ages into a magical world of enchantment and adventure. Following the theme of “Once Upon a Symphony,” audiences will be immersed in a mesmerizing blend of fairytale-inspired pieces, from Tchaikovsky’s “Swan Lake” and “Sleeping Beauty” to Disney’s “Aladdin” and “Beauty and the Beast.” The Halloween Spooktacular remains a symphony tradition and family favorite year after year.
Originally assembled as a handful of local musicians seeking a venue for sharing classical music with the community, the Southwest Symphony is now an auditioned group of about 80 professional and skilled amateur performers. Alongside renowned guest soloists, the passionate musicians and staff work tirelessly to produce quality concerts every season.
“We’ve got a really supportive and volunteer-driven community that cares about and believes in what we’re trying to accomplish,” Darger said. “We’re fortunate to have a lot of people willing to help make it happen.”
Recently, the symphony launched a new educational opportunity for local youth interested in music. The Southwest Symphony Youth League will give members chances to network with symphony members, meet world-class guest musicians, attend free or discounted concerts and rehearsals, and build their resume with volunteer and leadership opportunities.
Visit the Southwest Symphony website for more details on upcoming shows and to learn how your support helps advance the performing arts in Southern Utah.
Event details
- What: Southwest Symphony presents “Symphonic September.”
- When: Friday, Sept. 22, starting at 7:30 p.m.
- Where: Cox Performing Arts Center, 335 S. 700 East, St. George.
- Tickets: $15.50-$38.
- Resources: Website.
Written by ALEXA MORGAN for St. George News.
• S P O N S O R E D C O N T E N T •
Resources
- Southwest Symphony | Telephone: 435-767-9800 | Email: [email protected] | Website.
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