For a blockbuster ending to the University of Wyoming Symphony Orchestra's season, 105 musicians will play Respighi's "Roman Festivals."
The concert will begin at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, April 16, in the Fine Arts Center concert hall. Tickets cost $6 for students, $7 for senior citizens and $10 for others. To get tickets, stop by the Fine Arts Box Office, call (307) 766-6666, or go online at www.uwyo.edu/finearts. The performance marks the end of conductor Michael Griffith's 20th season at the helm.
The Italian composer Ottorino Respighi wrote three symphonic poems dedicated to Rome. The UWSO performed "The Fountain of Rome" in 1993, "The Pines of Rome" in 2001, and now completes the trilogy with "Roman Restivals."
"The four movements describe wild beasts in the Circus Maximus, fervent pilgrims on their way to the Holy City, an October festival with serenades, bells and hunting horns and a wild finale describing the great Italian fair of the Befana at the time of the Epiphany," says Griffith.
The Continental Trombone Quartet, which includes UW's Mark Sheridan Rabideau, will appear as soloists. They will perform the world premiere of Brian VanArsdale's "Blues for America." As an encore the quartet will perform "Three Brazilian Sketches."
Posted on Monday, April 13, 2009