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The Utah Symphony and music director Thierry Fischer are laying down the tracks for their latest live recording project this weekend, and Friday's performance boded extremely well for the upcoming release.
The disc, the orchestra's fourth under Fischer, will include two Prokofiev suites that originated as movie music: the suite from "Lieutenant Kijé" and the "Alexander Nevsky" cantata. Performances of both scores on Friday balanced attention to detail with a sense of immediacy. The entire ensemble seemed to elevate its game. Among the numerous outstanding contributions in the "Kijé" suite, principal trumpet Travis Peterson was arguably the MVP, executing numerous solos flawlessly.
The Utah Symphony Chorus, bolstered by two choirs from the University of Utah, joined the orchestra in "Alexander Nevsky." Chorus master Barlow Bradford's meticulous preparation of the singers was evident in their expressive — and, at times, terrifying — performance. The orchestra again was in top form, capturing the savagery of the "Battle on the Ice" and its haunting aftermath with equal vividness. Mezzo-soprano Alisa Kolosova contributed a sublime solo in "The Field of the Dead."
Though it won't be featured on the recording, new concertmaster Madeline Adkins made a stellar concerto debut with the orchestra, playing Prokofiev's Violin Concerto No. 2 with authority and grace.
Utah Symphony
Music of Prokofiev.
With • Conductor Thierry Fischer, violinist Madeline Adkins, the Utah Symphony Chorus and mezzo-soprano Alisa Kolosova
When • Reviewed Friday, Nov. 18
Where • Abravanel Hall, 123 W. South Temple, Salt Lake City