By Kristin Beauchamp-Butt
The Orchestra of Southern Utah’s 2016–17 concert season opens Oct. 13. The concert begins at 7:30 pm in the Heritage Theater and features collaborations with both the Cedar High School Orchestra and the Southern Utah University Jazz Band.
American music has many influences and has become a grounds for an eclectic collection of genres. The OSU presents a snapshot of the variety of styles from Copland to Sousa and from jazz to film scores.
With performances on their own, CHS Orchestra and the SUU Jazz Band demonstrates the versatility within great music and different ensembles. Under the direction of Christina Carrigan and Dr. Thomas Herb, respectively, one will see the talent of our community professionals.
The Orchestra of Southern Utah will complete the concert with the famous jazz piece “Caravan” by Duke Ellington and Juan Tizol. The piece was first recorded in 1936 and incorporates Latin influences drawn from Tizol’s Puerto Rican background. Ellington is widely praised as one of the most influential jazz composers of all time and was a successful bandleader for over 50 years.
The beautiful “Gabriel’s Oboe” by Ennio Morricone features Brad Gregory as soloist. The piece was composed as the main theme for the 1986 film “The Mission,” for which Morricone won a Golden Globe for Best Original Score. Going on his third year with the OSU, Gregory currently holds the principal oboe position with the OSU and has previously performed with the Raleigh Symphony and Raleigh Civic Symphony on oboe and English horn.
“Maple Leaf Rag” by Scott Joplin combines the OSU and Cedar High School Orchestra. The piece was copyrighted in 1899 and has influenced many ragtime compositions in the century since it was written. It is regarded as Joplin’s most successful work. Christine Carrigan, Cedar High School’s orchestra director, will conduct this energetic piece.
John Philip Sousa’s “Free Lance March,” also referred to as “On to Victory,” is one of his most boisterous marches. Originally written as the main theme of his operetta “The Free Lance,” it has since become a popular standalone march that perfectly encapsulates the signature style and sound of Sousa.
The OSU will be joined by the CHS Orchestra to perform Copland’s famous “Hoe Down.” Written as the final movement of Copland’s “Rodeo,” which is often considered one of the first truly American ballets, it is a fast, exciting, and challenging showcase of any orchestra’s skill. Universally well-loved, it has been featured in many orchestras, film scores, and even the opening ceremony of the 2002 Winter Olympics in Salt Lake City.
Tickets are available at the Cedar City Heritage Theater Box Office by calling (435) 865-2882 or online at heritagectr.org. Admission is $10 for adults, $5 for students, and $30 for groups up to six. Because evening concerts are recorded, it is requested that babies and children under the age of six not attend. Children over the age of six are welcome at all OSU concerts with adult supervision.
For more information, please visit myosu.org, call the Orchestra of Southern Utah at (435) 233-8213, or email osucedarcity@gmail.com.
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