CONTRIBUTED CONTENT — Beginning another stellar season of bringing live classical music to Southern Utah, the Southwest Symphony will take audiences on a haunting journey with “Halloween Spooktacular: A Ghoulish Adventure.” The opening shows of the symphony’s 2022-2023 season are slated for Friday and Saturday, Oct. 28-29, at the Cox Performing Arts Center.
The Southwest Symphony will explore the darker side of classical music with such chilling selections as Schubert’s “Erlkönig,” Saint-Saëns’ “Danse Macabre” and Lizst’s “Totentanz.” Featured soloists include violinist Rachel France and pianist Brandon Lee, along with a special guest appearance by Grammy-winning opera tenor Thomas Glenn.
“It’s going to be an exciting concert with a lot of really fun music,” said Lucas Darger, the symphony’s music director. “This is a great one to bring the whole family to.”
While past Halloween concerts have conjured up images of friendly ghosts and movie monsters, many of the selections featured in this year’s show were inspired by haunting tales from European folklore. It’s a fun show that’s sure to entertain audiences of all ages, Darger said, adding that even people who aren’t necessarily classical music enthusiasts will enjoy the Southwest Symphony’s spirited rendition of Wagner’s “Ride of the Valkyries” and the dancers accompanying some of the pieces.
The concert will begin at 7:30 p.m. both nights and runs approximately 90 minutes with an intermission. Ticket prices range between $15.50 and $36 depending on the section and may be purchased online or by calling the Utah Tech University ticket office at 435-652-7800. Season passes, which offer premium seating at a discounted rate, are also available to purchase.
The Southwest Symphony’s 42nd performance season will be an exciting and diverse series of six concerts featuring everything from Beethoven’s monumental Ninth Symphony to the iconic songs of James Bond. Their next show, “A Touch of Frost: A Holiday Celebration,” is scheduled for Dec. 9 and 10. The symphony will be joined by the Lieto Voices! choir to perform Christmas favorites as well as selections from Handel’s “Messiah,” a beloved community tradition for over 30 years.
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. Although the musicians receive a small stipend for their participation, it’s essentially a volunteer organization supported by a combination of ticket sales, grants, corporate sponsorships and private donations.
Darger said the people of Southern Utah have always been extremely generous in their patronage of the performing arts, and the musicians and staff of the Southwest Symphony work tirelessly to produce quality concerts every season. The symphony has won the Best of State award for community orchestra three years in a row, a recognition that speaks to the dedication and talent of every person involved.
“They’re very passionate about it, and they love what they’re doing,” he added. “It’s really a gem for our community to have an orchestra of this level in this small of a city.”
Visit the Southwest Symphony website to purchase tickets and learn how your support helps 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 “Halloween Spooktacular: A Ghoulish Adventure.”
- When: Friday and Saturday, Oct. 28 and 29, starting at 7:30 p.m.
- Where: Cox Performing Arts Center, 335 S. 700 East, St. George.
- Tickets: Premium $28.50-$36; area 1 $24-$30; area 2 $18-$22.50; area 3 $15.50-$19.50.
- Resources: Website.
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