Utah Symphony to Close 2011-12 Season Beethoven Cycle @ Abravanel Hall

UTAH SYMPHONY TO CLOSE 2011-12 SEASON BEETHOVEN CYCLE

SALT LAKE CITY— The Utah Symphony and Music Director Thierry Fischer will conclude their 2011-2012 season, Masterworks Series and countdown of all nine Beethoven symphonies with Beethoven’s Symphony No. 1.

Richard Strauss’ dazzling tone poem, “An Alpine Symphony,” will also be featured on the program Friday, May 25 and Saturday, May 26 at 8 p.m. in Abravanel Hall, as well as “Saint Vitus in the Kettle,” which marks the symphony’s debut performance of the piece and of music by Simon Holt, whom Fischer and the orchestra have commissioned to write a new work scheduled to premiere in the 2012-2013 Utah Symphony season.

Although Beethoven’s first symphony was indeed well received at its premiere, it surprised audiences because it varied from the norm. In the 19^th century, the sound represented a distinct departure from the final symphonies of Mozart and Haydn, with its increased reliance on wind instruments and an infusion of a scherzo-like energy into the traditional minuet movement. It is no surprise that Beethoven is often regarded as one of the greatest composers of all time, remarkably due -- in part -- to his ability to create masterpieces even after becoming completely deaf. Of Beethoven’s talent Mozart stated, “Watch out for this boy. One day he will give the world something to talk about.”

Strauss had not composed a major orchestral work in over a decade when he completed the “Alpine Symphony” in 1915. The story details a 24-hour mountain climbing journey from base to summit and back again. Because of his Swiss roots and love of the outdoors, Maestro Fischer is particularly eager to present the “Alpine Symphony” to Utah audiences. He hopes the piece will resonate with those who share his appreciation for the Swiss Alps, as well as the Rocky Mountains of Utah.

Single tickets for the performance range from $17 to $51 and can be purchased by phone at (801) 355-ARTS (2787), in person at the Abravanel Hall ticket office (123 W. South Temple) or online by visiting www.utahsymphony.org. Discounted student tickets will be available on the date of the performance. Season ticket holders and those desiring group discounts should call (801) 533-NOTE (6683). All ticket prices are subject to change and availability. Ticket prices will increase $5 when purchased on the day of the performance.

Press photos are available by logging in at: http://www.utahsymphony.org/about/press-and-reviews/itemlist/category/35-media-kit (Username: usuoimages, Password: media).

Program

Simon Holt	Saint Vitus in the Kettle
Ludwig van Beethoven	Symphony No. 1 in C Major, op. 21 I. Adagio molto - Allegro con brio II. Andante cantabile con moto III. Menuetto: Allegro molto e vivace IV. Finale: Adagio - Allegro molto e vivace
INTERMISSION
Richard Strauss	Eine Alpensinfonie, op. 64

About Utah Symphony | Utah Opera

Utah Symphony | Utah Opera is dedicated to providing Utah residents and visitors with great performances that engage, educate and enrich lives. The Utah Symphony, which performs at Abravanel Hall, and Utah Opera, which performs at the Capitol Theatre, reach 450,000 citizens in Utah and the Intermountain region, with educational outreach programs serving more than 175,000 students annually. The organization employs 60 staff and 83 full-time musicians, presenting four full opera productions and more than 70 symphony performances in each regular season as well as a summer season at Deer Valley Resort in Park City, Utah. For more information, please visit www.usuo.org.