OVERVIEW
Treat yourself to an evening of good ol’ fun with a night of music by some of the great American composers of the 20th century, including two works that made their mark on the film and theatre worlds—Gershwin’s An American in Paris (you can even hear the Parisian taxi horns!) and Bernstein’s Symphonic Dances from West Side Story. You’ll be snapping your fingers to these luscious tunes regardless of whether you're a Shark or a Jet!
The program begins with the striking melodies of Barber’s Second Essay for Orchestra before Randall Goosby makes his highly anticipated return, performing Florence Price’s sweepingly amorous Violin Concerto No. 2 and her aptly-named Adoration.
As a Masterworks Magnified event, the works on this program will be introduced with insights from our host, USUO Vice President of Education and Community Engagement Ben Kipp. Read on for special activities happening before and after the concert, exploring the theme of origin and music!
- Tap into an NYC state of mind and learn a group dance from West Side Story on the Abravanel Hall plaza, starting at 6:30pm!
- Learn Florence Price’s story as a glass-ceiling-breaking African American composer—at 6:30pm in Abravanel Hall’s First Tier Room, join us for a fascinating discussion with the host of the podcast What’s Her Name.
- The origin of the wood can make all the difference in the sound of string instruments. Luthiers from Salt Lake City shop Peter Prior & Sons will be in the lobby to share the unique histories and sounds of a variety of violins, cellos, and more.
- Where in the world are our USUO musicians and staff from? And, where does their love of music come from? Explore our display in the lobby to find out!
- Grab a nametag and show off where you’re from!
- Get to know Randall Goosby, a fast-rising young American violinist and our soloist for the evening, as he participates in a Q&A after the concert.
- Wine will be available for purchase in the lobby before the performance and at intermission.
PROGRAM
BARBER: Second Essay for Orchestra
FLORENCE PRICE: Adoration
FLORENCE PRICE: Violin Concerto No. 2
GERSHWIN: An American in Paris
BERNSTEIN: Symphonic Dances from West Side Story
ARTISTS
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