The University of Wyoming Symphony Orchestra presents its opening night concert Thursday, Oct. 3, at 7:30 p.m. in the Buchanan Center for the Performing Arts concert hall.
Tickets cost $10 for the public, $7 for senior citizens and $6 for UW students. Tickets are available at the Wyoming Union and Fine Arts box offices. For tickets and information, call (307) 766-6666.
The concert begins with the “Overture of the Season” by Tomas Svoboda. Then, instead of doing a typical solo concerto, the orchestra will present the unusual Mozart showpiece, “Sinfonia Concertante.” Solos during the piece will be performed by UW faculty members Nicole Riner, flute; Lindsey Bird Reynolds, oboe; Kaori Uno-Jack, bassoon; and Jason Johnston, French horn.
During the second half, conductor Michael Griffith has chosen Brahms’ “Second Symphony.” The piece is multifaceted with slow movement, an upbeat dance portion, and a fast and explosive finale.
“Listen, especially, for the cellos opening the second movement, the oboe in the third movement, and the trombones at the end,” says Griffith. “I was taught that the very opening of this symphony -- the first four notes from the cello -- should convey ‘open the door, follow us through this door and into the wonder.’ That is Brahms 2.”
Griffith returns for his 25th season as symphony conductor. He has been maestro in places such as New York’s Times Square and Rio de Janeiro, and has taught at institutions as varied as Finland’s Sibelius Academy and Shanghai University. Last year, he was named one of UW’s College of Arts and Sciences “Top Ten Teachers” for the second time, and he has served as president of The Conductors Guild.
