Masterworks Magnified

Two great works that made their marks of film and theatre come together on our concert stage—Gershwin’s An American in Paris and Bernstein’s Symphonic Dances from West Side Story. Celebrating the genius of American composers, each work on this program will be introduced with insights from our host, USUO Vice President of Education and Community Engagement Ben Kipp—plus, activities before and after the concert explore the theme of origin and music.

	Tap into an NYC state of mind and learn a dance from West Side Story on the Abravanel Hall plaza, starting at 6:30pm!
	Learn Florence Price’s story as a glass-ceiling-breaking African American composer—at 6:30pm in Abravanel Hall’s First Tier Room, join us for a fascinating discussion with the host of the podcast What’s Her Name.
	The origin of the wood can make all the difference in the sound of string instruments. Luthiers from Salt Lake City shop Peter Prior & Sons will be in the lobby to share the unique histories and sounds of a variety of violins, cellos, and more.
	Where in the world are our USUO musicians and staff from? And, where does their love of music come from? Explore our display in the lobby to find out!
	Grab a nametag and show off where you’re from!
	Get to know Randall Goosby, a fast-rising young American violinist and our soloist for the evening, as he participates in a Q&A after the concert.
	Wine will be available for purchase in the lobby before the performance and at intermission.

Experience the elemental power of Stravinsky’s The Rite of Spring contrasted with the starkness of the desert’s expansive landscapes in Steve Reich’s The Desert Music. Before the performance, dive into the primal energy of this program with slam poetry in Abravanel Hall’s First-Tier Room and try out orchestral instruments at our “Petting Zoo” in the lobby.  

Get a close-up view of our musicians as they perform the driving rhythms and unexpected harmonies of The Rite of Spring, with IMAG video projected on a giant screen to maximize the drama of the work. Plus, each piece will be introduced with insights shared from the stage by USUO Vice President of Education and Community Engagement Ben Kipp.  

After the performance, join Creative Partner David Robertson and guest artists Synergy Vocals for an engaging discussion on the revolutionary impact of Steve Reich’s music, concluding an evening dedicated to transformation and revelation.  

Set your sights on the stars at this concert event journeying through space. Pre-concert, explore interactive exhibits from local aerospace companies, meet experts from The Clark Planetarium, and hear from other space specialists at a panel in Abravanel Hall’s First-Tier Room.  

Then, as the famous music from Holst’s The Planets unfolds, stunning NASA visuals projected on a giant screen above the orchestra will transport you across the solar system. You’ll learn about the music on the program from the evening’s host, USUO Vice President of Education and Community Engagement Ben Kipp.  

Following the concert, stay for a discussion featuring composer and Westminster University Artist-in-Residence Jesse Montgomery, delving into the ways in which the cosmos can inspire us to care for our own planet. It’s an evening where the majesty of space and the responsibility to Earth meet in perfect harmony.