Utah Symphony to feature Argentine pianist

Thierry Fischer has said several times since being appointed music director of the Utah Symphony that he believes in symbolism. That's been manifesting itself in several ways this season.

One of Fischer's focuses has been in programming "Firsts." "I believe in symbols," the Swiss conductor recently told the Deseret News, "and a good way to mark my (new season) with the Utah Symphony is in playing the first works by several different composers."

The concerts this coming weekend will feature early works by two of the most beloved composers of all time: Joseph Haydn and Ludwig van Beethoven.

Haydn's Symphony No. 1 will receive what is ostensibly its first performance by the Utah Symphony, while Beethoven's Piano Concerto No. 1 is an old audience friend.

"A large part of the season, about 70 percent, will consist of works from the standard repertoire, including early classical works," Fischer said. And Haydn's First certainly falls into that category.

Playing the Beethoven concerto will be the 37-year-old Argentinean pianist Ingrid Fliter in another first — this weekend will mark her debut appearance with the Utah Symphony.

Rounding out the concert will be Dmitri Shostakovich's Symphony No. 6 in B minor, op. 54. The work starts out darkly but ends with a movement that can only be described as a pastiche, with snippets of themes from Mozart to folk-like tunes flying by at breakneck speed.

If you go

What: Ingrid Fliter, piano, Thierry Fischer, conductor, Utah Symphony

Where: Abravanel Hall

When: Oct. 29-30, 8 p.m.

How much: Tickets start at $15 (prices increase when purchased on day of performance)

Phone: 801-355-2787 or 888-451-2787

Group and student discounts phone: 801-533-6683

Web: usuo.org

Also: Finishing Touches Dress Rehearsal, Abravanel Hall, Oct. 29 , 10 a.m., $15, 801-355-2787 or 888-451-2787 or usuo.org

e-mail: ereichel@desnews.com