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The Utah Symphony is serving a hearty musical meal this chilly weekend.

Charles Ives' Symphony No. 2 — the one that famously concludes with an orchestral rendition of the Bronx cheer — was the first course Friday night. Melodies borrowed from Brahms, Beethoven and Stephen Foster are among the many ingredients in this rich and satisfying symphonic stew, which the orchestra played with gusto under the direction of Thierry Fischer. Especially memorable was the tender flute duet on the old Dartmouth song "Where, Oh Where Are the Pea-Green Freshmen?"

Anton Webern's Variations for Orchestra acted as a palate cleanser — or maybe that should be palette cleanser, as the 7-minute work is a study in musical pointillism, with tiny, precise strokes of orchestral color filling the canvas. (Whatever you think of the Second Viennese School, of which Webern was a prominent member, you must concede that the composers seldom outstay their welcome.)

Neither the presence of two 20th-century works, nor the pull of a monster-truck rally two blocks to the west, nor the biting cold could keep listeners away from the meat-and-potatoes work on Friday's program, the Tchaikovsky Violin Concerto. Soloist Noah Bendix-Balgley, first concertmaster of the Berlin Philharmonic, rewarded the large crowd with a dazzling technical display. His bow danced over the strings of his 1732 Carlo Bergonzi violin, seemingly of its own volition. The instrument's ample tone, combined with Bendix-Balgley's suave phrasing, made for a winning recipe. A high-flying cadenza and rousing final tutti section drew enthusiastic applause from the crowd as the supersized first movement ended (side note: There is no way Tchaikovsky intended for listeners to sit in silence through that movement break). Bendix-Balgley spun a mesmerizing tale in the second movement, then resumed the virtuoso fireworks in a sizzling finale that was enough to make patrons forget the single-digit temperature outside. But the violinist had one last musical treat to offer, and it proved to be the best of all: a stunning performance of the gavotte from Bach's solo Partita No. 3. —

Utah Symphony

Music of P.I. Tchaikovsky, Charles Ives and Anton Webern.

With • Conductor Thierry Fischer and violinist Noah Bendix-Balgley

Where • Abravanel Hall, 123 W. South Temple, Salt Lake City

When • Reviewed Friday, Jan. 6; repeats Saturday, Jan. 7, at 7:30 p.m.

Running time • About 2 hours, including intermission

Tickets • $26-$84; utahsymphony.org