Tad Calcara has appeared frequently with the Utah Symphony as a jazz clarinetist and bandleader of New Deal Swing. This weekend brings a welcome opportunity to hear Calcara, the orchestra's principal clarinetist, as soloist in a classical work. Even more gratifying: Friday's concert drew one of the biggest audiences of the year to Abravanel Hall.

Calcara displayed impressive technique and sublime sensitivity in the Mozart Clarinet Concerto. His ingratiatingly smooth phrasing, suave tone and nimble articulation made the virtuosic fast movements sound easy, but the highlight was the sweet poignancy he brought to the slow movement. Under the direction of guest conductor Matthias Bamert, Calcara's Utah Symphony colleagues provided a warmly sympathetic accompaniment.

The evening included two other well-loved Mozart works: the lively Overture to "The Magic Flute" and the Symphony No. 40 in G Minor. Bamert seldom, if ever, referred to the score of the G Minor symphony as he drew a performance of depth and dignity from the orchestra.

The other major work on the program was Hindemith's "Mathis der Maler (Matthias the Painter)" Symphony, drawn from the composer's opera of the same name. As befits a symphony about a painter, the Utah Symphony brought rich, almost saturated musical color to its interpretation.

Contact Catherine Reese Newton at creese@sltrib.com or 801-257-8616. Twitter: @cathycomma —

Utah Symphony

Music of Mozart and Hindemith.

With • Conductor Matthias Bamert and clarinetist Tad Calcara.

When • Reviewed Friday, March 25; repeats Saturday, March 26, at 8 p.m.

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

Running time • 2 hours, 15 minutes, including intermission.

Tickets • $20 and up; 801-355-ARTS or www.utahsymphony.org