Symphony orchestra presents: “The Spirit of Classical Music”

The SUU Symphony Orchestra performed “The Spirit of Classical Music” on Nov. 14 at the Heritage Center Theater. The concert featured guest pianist Kipper Roach and was led under the direction of Dr. Xun Sun. 

After concert remarks from Dr. Douglas Ipson, the show started with the works of Mozart and Beethoven. The third piece began with a brief pause to wheel a piano front and center for guest performer Kipper Roach, who performed Anton Rubinstein’s “Piano Concerto No. 4 in D Minor” with the rest of the symphony.

Roach has played piano since he was six, and always aspired to be a guest performer.

“These aren’t all music majors…and considering that, it was a very good show,” said Roach.

The fourth piece was Igor Stravinsky’s “Rite of Spring.” Dr. Ipson’s request to the audience, in reference to the original performance in Paris, was to not riot afterwards.

The show ended with a performance of Brian Balmages’ “Uplifted.”

One of the parents of performer, Sid Nelson, was awestruck at the end. 

“I couldn’t have asked for a better performance,” said  Nelson’s father, who came from Price, Utah, to see his son perform.

The SUU Symphony Orchestra’s next performance will take place Dec. 5 at the Heritage Center Theatre. For more information visit the music department’s website.

Author: James Ruble

Photographer: Paul Bardazzi

Editor: Brooklyn Beard

arts@suunews.net