Mendelssohn’s “Reformation” Symphony

OVERVIEW

Refresh your mind and spirit with Mendelssohn’s Symphony No. 5, a triumphant work of “Reformation” featuring hymns and quotations from both Protestant and Jewish influences. In it you’ll find youthful energy and dramatic tension—a thematic emancipation of Protestantism from Catholic doctrine and (less intentionally) a window into Mendelssohn’s artistic struggle in the shadow of Beethoven.

This spiritually uplifting program also features two chorales: Bach’s “Es ist genug” and Lindberg’s masterful reworking of the piece through a modern lens. Then, Stella Chen commands the stage with Prokofiev’s Second Violin Concerto, a “nomadic” work composed across Paris, Russia, and Azerbaijan. Listen for spicy, folk-like melodies, pizzicato (plucked string) accompaniments, and rhythmic intensity throughout.

LEARN MORE ABOUT THE MUSICPLAN YOUR VISIT

ADDITIONAL ACTIVITIES

Join us for a pre-concert chat about the evening’s program with guest artists and symphony musicians, held 45 minutes prior to the performance start time in the First Tier Room.

PROGRAM

BACH: “Es ist genug” Chorale
MAGNUS LINDBERG: Chorale
PROKOFIEV: Violin Concerto No. 2
MENDELSSOHN: Symphony No. 5, “Reformation”

ARTISTS

Joana Carneiro
conductor

Stella Chen
violin

Utah Symphony