Music Director Thierry Fischer and the Utah Symphony will present the world premiere of Swiss composer Michael Jarrell’s "Émergences – Nachlese VI" this weekend.

Fischer plans to commission one new work with the Utah Symphony each season, beginning with this one, a cello concerto featuring guest artist Jean-Guihen Queyras on Friday, February 3 and Saturday, February 4 at 8 p.m. in Abravanel Hall.

From a US | UO press release:

“I am reintroducing commissions into the Utah Symphony’s repertoire to show that programming is not only about the past, it is also about the present and looking to the future,” Fischer said. “It was extremely crucial for me that we motivate composers to create in this century and support them as an essential part of the creative process.”

Émergences is a co-commission by the Utah Symphony, Orchestre National de Lyon, Orchestre de la Suisse Romande and Orchestre Philharmonique du Luxembourg, with support from the Swiss Arts Council, Pro Helvetia.

Having known Jarrell for nearly 20 years and conducted many of his pieces, Fischer said he is pleased to be able to work on this project with Jarrell, who will travel to Salt Lake City to join the Utah Symphony in rehearsals and witness the world premiere at Abravanel Hall.

Fischer, Jarrell and Toby Tolokan, Utah Symphony Vice President of Artistic Planning, will present a free pre-concert lecture 45 minutes prior to the start of each performance in the First Tier Room of Abravanel Hall.

Single tickets for the performances range from $25 to $75 and can be purchased by calling (801) 355-ARTS (2787), in person at the Abravanel Hall ticket office (123 W. South Temple) or by visiting www.utahsymphony.org. Discounted student tickets will be available on the date of the performance. Ticket prices will increase $5 when purchased on the day of the performance.