Sandy City Orchestra to spotlight bassoonists

Under music director Joel Rosenberg, the Orchestra of Sandy City has endeavored to bring a wide variety of music to its audiences. This trend will continue with the orchestra's next concerts on Thursday and Friday in Sandy's Good Shepherd Lutheran Church.

One of the highlights on the program will be a concerto for two bassoons by Vivaldi. Bassoon concertos are a rarity, and the one by Vivaldi was originally written for two cellos (in G minor, PV 411). But according to Rosenberg, the work lends itself quite nicely for bassoons. "It works very well for the instrument, although I've never heard it done for two bassoons."

Rosenberg said this will be the first time during his tenure as music director that the orchestra will spotlight the bassoon. "We've never had a bassoon soloist in the years that I've worked with the orchestra."

He added that it was his idea to have bassoonists play the concerto. "We have two fabulous bassoonists in the orchestra, and I think it will be wonderful." The two soloists are Barbara Pytlewski and Richard Chatelain. They will play the opening movement of the concerto.

Besides the Vivaldi, the orchestra will also play Verdi's overture to "La Forza del Destino," Leonard Bernstein's Three Dance Episodes from "On the Town," Chabrier's "Espana," the finale from Brahms' Symphony No. 2 and the Berceuse and Finale from Stravinsky's "The Firebird."

Rosenberg said that these works are true showcases for the orchestra. "These are all very virtuosic pieces."

The orchestra played the Bernstein and the complete "Firebird" ballet score a number of years ago. Rosenberg admitted that it's a challenge to program these works for a community orchestra, since they require expanded brass and woodwind sections. "But I'm looking forward to doing them again."

Of the two performances the orchestra will play at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, the one on Friday will be an educational concert intended for young people. At that concert, Rosenberg will discuss the music in a way that will make it more understandable and enjoyable for young listeners.

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If you go . . .

What: Orchestra of Sandy City, conductor Joel Rosenberg

Where: Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, 8600 South and 700 East

When: Thursday and Friday, 8 p.m.

How much: $15 family pass, $7 adults, $5 senior citizens and students

Also . . .

Where: Assembly Hall on Temple Square

When: March 11, 7:30 p.m.

How much: Free

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E-mail: ereichel@desnews.com