University Symphony Orchestra heads out on tour

The Colorado State University Symphony will hit the road Feb. 13 - Feb. 19 to visit four cities west of the Front Range; Glenwood Springs, Aspen, Breckenridge and Grand Junction, Colo.

The orchestra, directed by Wes Kenney, will perform one of the most intense symphonies ever written on this tour: Tchaikovsky’s Symphony No. 4 in f minor. “Only the best of orchestras can attempt to play this symphonic tour de force,” says Kenney. “The difficulties lie in the rhythmically complex first movement, its lovely lyrical second movement, the intricate ensemble challenges of the third and the frenetic finale that leaves the audience breathless.”

The performance also features the solo performances of three music majors; Brianne Little – Concerto for Flute and Orchestra in D Major, op. 283 by Carl Reinecke; Nathan Wilson – Rhapsodie for Orchestra and Saxophone by Claude Debussy; and Sabrina Romney – Der Schwanendreher by Paul Hindemith.

The following tour dates are all free concerts:
• Monday, Feb. 13, 1 p.m., Glenwood Springs High School, Glenwood Springs, Colo.
• Monday, Feb. 13, 6 p.m., Harris Concert Hall, 960 North 3rd Street, Aspen, Colo.
• Tuesday, Feb. 14, 7 p.m., Breckenridge Riverwalk Center, 150 W Adams, Breckenridge, Colo.

“As CSU’s music program grows, it is important that our major ensembles canvas the state to get the ‘buzz’ going about us,” said Kenney. “It is extremely important that we showcase our talented students and demonstrate the many things that have improved. We’re excited to go on the road with this message!”

The orchestra will preview the tour program at a concert on Feb. 8, 7:30 p.m. at the University Center for the Arts.