By CATHERINE ELLERTON
Moapa Valley Progress
For the past four years the Southern Nevada Symphony Orchestra (SNSO) has shared the magic and beauty of music with the regional audience. Based in Mesquite, the group has given local musicians an opportunity to join their talents and explore the world of music further.
On Feb. 24, the SNSO embarked on its most recent journey with a concert held in the Casablanca Showroom.
Oboist Tami Sillitoe evoked a sparkling solo in Philip Parker’s “Soliloquy and Dance.” This selection has been newly arranged for this concert from a solo with band to a solo with orchestra by Philip Parker himself.
The concert had begun with “Farandole” (from the Incidental Music to L’Arlesienne) by composer Georges Bizet best known for his opera Carmen. This spirited piece introduced the theme of the concert, in this reporter’s mind, of spirit, joy and re-creating the story of life.
Franz Josef Haydn’s “Symphony No. 70 in D Major” was next. This piece was written in the 1790s to recognize the construction of a new Opera House.
It was followed on the program by “Tocatta” written by Girolamo Frescobaldi, a child prodigy. It was used in masses and for liturgical occasions.
Following a brief intermission, the Russian composer, Peter Ilich Tchaikovsky’s “Waltz Finale” from the Nutcracker, Op. 71, began the intriguing capture of a people’s joie de vivre. Joel Jacklich’s “Rondo in A Minor” was an audience favorite due to the brilliant Viola solo performance of Barry Bowers. Bowers brings a background of professional musical experience to add to the SNSO as well as the Cliffrose String Quartet.
Selections from “West Side Story” by Leonard Bernstein continued the story of the puzzle of life. Bernstein once stated “I am now convinced that what we dreamed all these years is possible; because there stands that tragic story with a theme as profound as love versus hate…..” This legendary composer died in 1990, but his contribution to music was celebrated in this concert honoring his 100 year birthday.
The evening ended with a rousing American tribute – “The Washington Post” – a march written by John Philip Sousa.
The evening’s selections were artfully presented by conductor/founder Selmer Spitzer. Adding to the music was the interpretation of that selection by narrator, Jim Dick.
The next SNSO concert will be held on April 14 and will feature Mark Deramo and Will Rhoden.
