CONTRIBUTED CONTENT — Continuing a stellar season of bringing live classical music to Southern Utah, the Southwest Symphony will next play works by Brahms and Mozart featuring a special guest artist.
Their 2021-2022 performance season resumes on March 4 with a concert that Lucas Darger, the symphony’s music director and conductor, promises will be “an evening filled with spectacular symphonic music.”
The symphony will be joined by award-winning flutist Demarre McGill for a performance of Mozart’s “Flute Concerto in G Major.” McGill, a native of Chicago, began studying the flute at age 7 and made his first appearance as a soloist with the Chicago Symphony at age 15.
McGill has played around the world and currently performs with the Seattle Symphony as principal flutist. He is a past recipient of the Avery Fisher Career Grant, an award given every year to outstanding instrumentalists, as well as the Sphinx Medal of Excellence, which recognizes extraordinary classical Black and Latinx musicians.
“He’s incredibly accomplished,” Darger said. “We’re super, super happy to be bringing him in.”
The evening will also feature Brahms’s “Symphony No. 1.” In his time, Brahms was regarded by many as the rightful successor to Beethoven, and expectations for his first symphony were towering. The work, from sketches to finishing touches, took 21 years to complete and finally premiered in 1876.
“We’re really excited to share it,” Darger said. “It’s an iconic piece.”
The concert begins at 7:30 p.m. at the Cox Performing Arts Center. Tickets cost $18, $24 or $30 depending on section and are available to purchase online or by calling the Dixie State University box office at 435-652-7800. Patrons that purchase tickets to two or more Southwest Symphony performances this season will receive a 15% discount, while those attending four or more concerts can save 25%.
As part of the concert, the Southwest Symphony is honoring everyday heroes in Southern Utah through a program called “Harmony & Heroes.” As a gesture of appreciation, they will select 50 individuals from a pool of nominees to each receive two complimentary tickets and be recognized during the show. Nominations will be accepted online through Feb. 26. There is no specific criteria other than someone who has made a difference in the community.
Now in its 41st performance season, the Southwest Symphony is an auditioned group of approximately 80 professional and skilled amateur musicians from the community. The symphony is supported by a combination of ticket sales, grants, corporate sponsorships and private donations. Although the musicians receive a small stipend for their participation, it’s essentially a volunteer organization.
The symphony has won the Best of State award for community orchestra three years in a row, a recognition that Darger said speaks to the dedication and talent of their musicians as well as the staff that work tirelessly to produce quality concerts.
Earlier this month, the symphony performed Prokofiev’s musical fairy tale “Peter and the Wolf” for a sold-out audience at the Cox auditorium. They were also joined onstage by the Zion Youth Symphony to play Sibelius’s “Finlandia.” Darger said the young musicians put a lot of work into the piece and it paid off.
“That was an incredible experience and opportunity for them to play with professional musicians, but it was also great for us,” he added. “It was very invigorating to be able to share the stage with them and feel their energy and dedication.”
The season continues with a performance of “Lamb of God,” a musical portrayal of the final days of the life of Jesus Christ, on April 1. The symphony will be joined by the Lieto Voices! choir and talented soloists.
Next, the symphony will invite violinist Caroline Campbell to join them on April 29 for a lively mix of Hollywood favorites and show tunes. Visit the Southwest Symphony website to purchase tickets and learn how your support helps to advance the performing arts in Southern Utah.
Written by ALEXA MORGAN for St. George News.
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Event details
- What: Southwest Symphony presents award-winning flutist Demarre McGill.
- When: Friday, March 4 at 7:30 p.m.
- Where: Cox Performing Arts Center, 335 S. 700 East, St. George.
- Tickets: Area 1 $18; area 2 $24; premium $30.
- Resources: Website.
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