Symphony, guest pianist bring 'Liszt Fever' to Utah

SALT LAKE CITY— The Utah Symphony and guest pianist Kirill Gerstein will present two classic works by Franz Liszt, the cause of Europe's "Liszt Fever."

Gerstein and the orchestra will perform Liszt's "Totentanz" and Piano Concerto No. 2 under the direction of guest conductor Gilbert Varga on Friday, Dec. 2, and Saturday, Dec. 3, at 8 p.m. in Abravanel Hall, 123 W. South Temple.

Varga, known for a commanding presence and elegant baton technique, will begin the program with Maurice Ravel's "Mother Goose" Suite, originally written as a piano duet for the children of Ravel's close friends. Ravel later orchestrated the work, expanding it into a ballet. Concluding the concert is another Ravel ballet suite, which tells the Greek romance of "Daphnis et Chloé."

Russian-born pianist Gerstein has performed at the world's major music centers and festivals.

In January 2010 , he was named the recipient of the 2010 Gilmore Artist Award, only the sixth musician to have been so honored. According to a news release, the Gilmore Artist Award is made to an exceptional pianist who, regardless of age or nationality, possesses broad and profound musicianship and charisma and who desires and can sustain a career as a major international concert artist.

On Friday at 10 a.m., the public is also invited to attend a Finishing Touches dress rehearsal, where audience members can see the work that goes into rehearsing for each performance. Tickets for the rehearsal are $15 and will increase $2 when purchased on the day of the performance.

Tickets for the evening performances range from $17 to $51 and can be purchased by calling 801-355-2787, in person at the Abravanel Hall ticket office or by visiting www.usuo.org. Students can purchase discounted tickets with a student ID. Season ticket holders and those desiring group discounts should call 801-533-6683. Ticket prices will increase $5 when purchased on the day of the performance.

Varga and Toby Tolokan, Utah Symphony vice president of artistic planning, will present a free pre-concert lecture in the First Tier Room of Abravanel Hall each night 45 minutes prior to the start of the performance.

At the Saturday performance, the symphony is collaborating with the Alzheimer's Association to host "A Red Carpet Affair." University of Utah students are encouraged to attend and wear red formal attire. On-site photographers will be ready to snap photos of students and symphony enthusiasts as they walk the red carpet. U. student tickets are available at the Olpin Student Union ticket counter or by calling Shawn Fry at 801-869-9046.