Symphony and choir join to do 'Romeo et Juliette'

Since being appointed music director, Thierry Fischer has brought some much needed and welcome fresh air to the Utah Symphony's programming. Adding works that are new to the orchestra's repertoire as well as introducing composers who have either been neglected or underrepresented here are all part of Fischer's plan to reinvigorate the orchestra's concerts. And that's benefited both audiences and musicians alike.

One of the people who likes Fischer's approach is Utah Symphony chorus master Susanne Sheston. It's given her the chance to develop and expand her repertoire as well.

One work she knows but hasn't done yet is Hector Berlioz's "Roméo et Juliette," a grand "dramatic symphony," as the composer described it, that's scored for mezzo-soprano, tenor and bass soloists, chorus and orchestra and which the Utah Symphony will perform this coming weekend under Fischer's baton. "I love it, it's such a fascinating piece," Sheston told the Deseret News.

Sheston has already had some discussion with Fischer about the work, she said. "It was great to have had the opportunity to talk with him beforehand" and get his take on the work. "His overview is that this is an optimistic portrayal, as if Berlioz was trying to say that it would have been nice if it would have worked out between Romeo and Juliet."

That, of course, runs contrary to the original Shakespeare play. "It's not what you would expect," Sheston said. "It's not Gounod, who presents the tragic side of the story. It's in a different vein and I find it exciting."

The three vocal soloists, who for this weekend's performances are mezzo-soprano Tamara Mumford; tenor Jason D. Slayden; and bass Eric Owens, sing several different characters -- but there are no vocal parts for Romeo and Juliet. "That's one of the things that makes Berlioz's version so interesting," Sheston said. "He lets the orchestra depict them. In fact, the orchestra is one of the main protagonists in the story." And Berlioz can get away with it because he was a wizard of orchestration. "The orchestral writing is so colorful."

And while the chorus is central to the work, it nevertheless plays just a small part. "The choral part is not that long." The chorus mainly offers commentary and narrates the story. "At the end, it represents the two families and offers them a very optimistic plea."

The choral writing is complicated, Sheston added. "That's probably why it isn't done very often." This will also be the first complete performance of the evening length work by the Utah Symphony.

e-mail: ereichel@desnews.com

If you go...

What: Utah Symphony and Chorus, Thierry Fischer, conductor

Where: Abravanel Hall

When: Nov. 5-6 8 p.m.

How much: Tickets start at $15 (prices increase $5 on day of performance)

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

Group and student discounts phone: 801-533-6683

Web: usuo.org