By Benedicte Dansie
A New Year’s Celebration presented by the Utah Symphony at Abravanel Hall in Salt Lake City is an absolutely exhilarating experience, and an explosive entry into 2019. The new year breathed life and light into the symphony’s first performance this year. The players’ movements are sharp and passionate bringing the absolutely stunning selection of music to life. The beautiful, swelling pieces soar across the audience capturing the heart of new hope and joy at the threshold of 2019.
With the ringing in of the new year, the Utah Symphony decided to focus on the inclusion and empowerment of women in classical music. In support of this ideology, the performance features an influential female conductor, a spectacular soloist, and famous arrangements by women. The world renowned conductor Xian Zhang openly discussed the lack of women in the profession during an interview with “The Guardian” newspaper saying, “We need to bring up the number of female conductors. There are not enough girls doing it well as professionals. Once there are more, then we can judge how good they are.” Zhang is a bright force of energy on the stand blazing the way for women who wish to follow in her path. She gives her whole self over to the music eliciting passionate responses from both the musicians and the audience. Zhang’s conducting draws out swelling crescendos and haunting melodies in one of the most spectacular performances I’ve ever seen.
Zhang is joined on stage by 2016 Concertmaster Madeline Adkins who performs the stunning violin solo in Concerto No. 1 for Violin and Orchestra, Op. 35. Featuring sweet, singing high notes and gorgeous vibrato with her violin, Adkins’ playing is an absolute masterpiece. The bright, bell-like introduction, crashing swells, and lyrical lines seem to sound like falling stars and swirling galaxies.
The opening piece Fanfare for the Uncommon Woman No. 1 (click on link to hear it) arranged by Joan Tower is a bold, strong piece that featurs only the band. The piece makes you feel as though you are marching into the new year stronger than before, ready to conquer the world. The piece is an audience favorite due to its quick, rigorous nature and joyful playing.
Vibrant and ageless excerpts of Suite from Sleeping Beauty, Op. 66a follow, sweeping the audience through the stunning storyline. The musicians seem to pour their souls into this piece, playing through a series of lush, lilting melodies. The audience is carried away by the music through the intricate and lovely dance steps of the Waltz. The originally 20-minute selection was rearranged and cut down to 14 minutes. While the Suite plays at a soaring tempo, it does not feel rushed, but instead as though it is a living, breathing entity guiding the musicians through its story.
Following the intermission, the audience is favored with a selection of pieces by Richard Strauss and Johann Strauss, Jr. The grouping is led by the gorgeous Overture to The Gypsy Baron, which is a stunning example of opposites as it swings from sultry, light, playful, dark, and powerful. This is followed by the energetic Bitte schön!, Polka francaise, Op. 372. The piece is a blend of cultures and styles. It allies an airy and cheerful melody with the strong underlying beat of a polka, making for a highly enjoyable listen. The closing piece was R. Strauss’ Suite from Der Rosenkavalier, Op. 59. This piece is all encompassing pushing the musicians and audience higher and higher with a deep, full sound and countless overlying tones and melodies. It is a piece of joy and growth mimicking the emotions of the new year. This piece is followed by the musicians calling out Happy New Year! to the audience and a rousing encore featuring another Polka.
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This performance swept me off of my feet, leaving me feeling bright and unstoppable. The Utah Symphony’s A New Year’s Celebration is thrilling for both the audience and performers. It is the perfect way to burst into the new year feeling resolved to stand strong and stand out.
The Utah Symphony Presents A New Year’s Celebration
Abravanel Hall, 123 W South Temple, Salt Lake City, UT 84101
January 4-5, 2019 7:30 PM
Tickets: $15-89
Contact: 801-533-6683
Utah Symphony Facebook Page
A New Year’s Celebration Facebook Event
At the request of the symphony: Individuals ages five and older are welcome at this performance. Parents should ensure their children are able to sit quietly through the performance without disturbing others around them. No babes in arms will be admitted.
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