Orchestra-chorus plans scintillating season

Programming concerts for a community orchestra can be a challenge. Because of limited rehearsal time, repertoire choices are frequently limited to a few well-known works from the late 19th and early 20th centuries. This doesn't reflect on the talents of the musicians but is grounded in logistical considerations.

As music director of the Orchestra and Chorus of Sandy City, Joel Rosenberg faces the same dilemma every year — presenting concerts that are both stimulating for the players and appealing for audiences. He feels that he's found the perfect middle ground this season, and he's especially pleased with the concerts the orchestra will be performing this season.

"It's a season which will command a great scope of literature, from Bach to Bernstein," Rosenberg said. "It will exploit and show the possibilities of the symphony orchestra, from small classical ensembles to huge, late romantic orchestras."

The new season opens Thursday with a program that includes Mozart's Symphony No. 38, "Prague," a work that Rosenberg has long admired. "I've wanted to conduct it for a long time. I've conducted it before, but it's been so many years ago." He said he's looking forward to revisiting the work.

Rosenberg was influenced by a performance of the "Prague" Symphony that the legendary Spanish cellist Pablo Casals conducted. "Many years ago I was watching a video of Pablo Casals conducting it at his festival in Puerto Rico," Rosenberg said. "Alexander Schneider of the Budapest Quartet was the concertmaster, and that performance has always stuck with me."

Also on the program next week is a piece by local composer Cliff Millward, his "Second Ceremonial Prelude." "This is a very tonal piece," Rosenberg said. "I think people are really going to enjoy it."

Rosenberg has never conducted anything by Millward, although the two know each other well. "For years, Cliff was the first trumpet of the Orchestra of Sandy City, and he remains on the board of directors," Rosenberg said. And before that, Millward was a member of the trumpet section of the Utah Symphony.

Rounding out the concert will be Beethoven's overture to "Fidelio" and the third and fourth movements from Tchaikovsky's Symphony No. 4 in F minor.

Looking ahead to the rest of the orchestra's season, Rosenberg said there will be some unexpected program choices. "For our Christmas concert, we'll be doing the second act from Puccini's 'La Boheme.' "