Utah Symphony Announces Scottish-Themed Program

Just in time for the Scottish holiday, St. Andrew's Day, the Utah Symphony and Music Director Thierry Fischer will explore the sounds of Scotland through French and German eyes in a concert featuring Felix Mendelssohn's majestic Symphony No. 3.

This performance of Mendelssohn's "Scottish" Symphony will mark the continuation of the orchestra's season-long Mendelssohn Symphony cycle. In his U.S. orchestral debut, guest violinist Fumiaki Miura and the orchestra will also highlight traditional Scottish folk melodies as they pay tribute to Scotland's rich heritage with Bruch's "Scottish Fantasy," November 30 (St. Andrew's Day) and December 1 at 8 p.m. in Abravanel Hall. The program will also include Haydn's Symphony No. 3 and Debussy's "Scottish March."

In 1829, the 20-year old Mendelssohn made his first trip to England which included a tour of Scotland. He attributed the initial idea for his "Scottish Symphony" to seeing the roofless ruins of the Holyrood Chapel in Edinburgh, behind the castle where Mary Stuart once resided. Though he did not finish his masterpiece until 1842, the stunning visual beauty of Holyrood that inspired him years before can still be heard.

Bruch's "Scottish Fantasy" was completed in 1880 and pays homage to the vibrant and rousing Scottish tradition with variations on several traditional bagpiper folk melodies, including "Through the Wood Laddie," "The Dusty Miller," "I'm A' Doun for Lack O' Johnnie," and "Hey Tuttie Tatie."

St. Andrew's Day is celebrated by Scots all over world. It is a national holiday in Scotland, dedicated to the patron saint who brought Christianity to their beloved nation.

Fischer and Corbin Johnston, Utah Symphony Associate Principal Bass, will present a free pre-concert chat each night, one hour prior to the start of the performance on the orchestra level of Abravanel Hall.

Single tickets for the performances range from $18 to $53 and can be purchased by calling (801) 355-ARTS (2787), in person at the Abravanel Hall ticket office (123 W. South Temple) or by visiting www.utahsymphony.org. $10 single tickets are available to concertgoers ages 30 or younger. 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.

More Articles by This Author...