Last night I found myself at Abravanel Hall for the second time this week and, since I love the Utah Symphony, this was a very happy circumstance! Last night was the opening concert for the 2017-2018 Season and it featured works by Mozart, Beethoven, and Strauss which, in my opinion, was a great way to start what looks to be a great season. The orchestra began with the Overture to Don Giovanni by Mozart. Why yes that is my very favorite opera so, as you can imagine, I definitely enjoyed this piece. The music is so dramatic and it gave me goosebumps. Next, Augustin Hadelich joined the orchestra for Beethoven's Violin Concerto. I always enjoy it when he comes to town and, once again, his performance was simply brilliant! He was so passionate and the speed with which his fingers moved in the third movement was mind-blowing. The audience immediately jumped to their feet in a thunderous ovation which prompted Hadelich to perform Paganini's Caprice No. 21 to everyone's delight. After the intermission, the program concluded with two tone poems by Strauss. Don Juan was very tempestuous and I particularly enjoyed the theme played by the horns. Till Eulenspiegel's Merry Pranks was lighthearted with fun and playful themes by a solo horn and then the woodwinds. I really enjoyed myself this evening and I am definitely looking forward to many amazing concerts during the upcoming season. This program will be performed again tonight and tickets may be purchased here.
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