Composer-conductor Matthias Pintscher returns to Abravanel Hall this week to conduct a program that includes his 2014 orchestral work "idyll."
The half-hour work grew out of "on a clear day," a solo piano piece Pintscher wrote as an 80th-birthday gift for Anne Elbrecht, an arts patron who was a friend and mentor to him and other musicians. (The fact that Mitsuko Uchida gave the premiere indicates how influential Elbrecht was.) When his friend died, Pintscher wanted to write a memorial, but "I thought she would not want some sad, serious lamentation — not a requiem or kaddish, but something with transparency and lightness." So he built an orchestral frame around the piano piece. "I took a big brush and waved it over the entire canvas," he said. "It moves gently from point A to point B without distraction or unnecessary detours — it sings in one long breath over 30 minutes."
The rest of the program is French: Ravel's "Alborada del gracioso," Debussy's "La mer" and Saint-Saëns' Piano Concerto No. 5 ("Egyptian"), with Teo Gheorghiu as soloist.
Pintscher last conducted the Utah Symphony in 2014. "I felt a wonderful, extraordinary connection" with the musicians, he said. "They are very, very musical and human — that quality shines beautifully when they play."
Catherine Reese Newton
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Mostly French
The Utah Symphony will perform music of Ravel, Debussy, Saint-Saëns and Matthias Pintscher.
With • Conductor Matthias Pintscher and pianist Teo Gheorghiu
When • Friday and Saturday, March 4-5, 7:30 p.m.
Where • Abravanel Hall, 123 W. South Temple, Salt Lake City
Tickets • $18-$79; utahsymphony.org
At NOVA
Pintscher's music will be featured alongside Bach's "A Musical Offering" on the NOVA Chamber Music Series. Performers include organist Gabriele Terrone, violist Brant Bayless and cellist Rainer Eudeikis.
When • Sunday, Feb. 28, 3 p.m.
Where • Libby Gardner Concert Hall, 1375 E. Presidents Circle, Salt Lake City
Tickets • $20; $18 for seniors; free with student ID
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