By JIM LUKSIC
The Progress
Southern Nevada Symphony Orchestra (SNSO) has scheduled “A Night of Folk Music and More” at 7 pm on Saturday, Feb. 24, at Mesquite’s CasaBlanca Resort and Casino.
The ensemble’s 40 musicians will perform under the observant eyes of conductor Susan Thiriot, directing her second program for the band. The showcase features works from the likes of Leroy Anderson, Percy Grainger, and Aaron Copland.
Saturday evening’s chief focus, Thiriot said, is folk selections while highlighting copious cultures and countries.
“We will have two pieces that feature soloists, and I think the audience will be mesmerized with both of these beautiful works,” explained Thiriot, a resident of St. George, Utah who plays the French horn.
Thiriot expressed nothing but accolades for the performers, stating she was “blown away” during rehearsal by their progress and attention to details.
“This is a group of musicians who are at a variety of experience and skill level, but all on the same page when it comes to hard work and dedication,” she said. “They are an absolute joy to work with.”
One of those is SNSO Vice President Terry Marquart, who will perform on string bass for the concert and offered plaudits about his conductor.
“Susan is an amazing person with such a vibrant personality,” said Marquart, a former Alaskan who resides in the warmer confines of Sun City.
Larry Lemieux, president of the orchestra’s Board of Directors, expressed similar thoughts.
“Susan has done an amazing job since the start of this season,” he said, going on to say the upcoming concert will feature an assortment of musicians – students to seasoned veterans – hailing from Las Vegas to St. George.
Along those lines, Thiriot asserted she “hopes to add at least 8 to 10 more” string players, though she is “super-happy with the mix” currently in the SNSO family.
Marquart pointed out that nobody playing in the orchestra is salaried. “We’re doing this for the community as a whole. People are very dedicated to ensuring live music is available here,” said Marquart, whose responsibilities include the organization’s equipment, insurance, and additional fiscal items.
Among the symphonic selections on the playlist, Thiriot singled out one in particular.
“Even though it is not as well-known, my absolute favorite piece is ‘Variations on a Korean Folk Song’ by John Barnes Chance,” she explained, adding that it was written originally for winds and percussion but has been adapted to include strings.
Additional selections will comprise “The Moldau” by Smetana, Stravinsky’s “The Firebird,” plus the cello solo “Prayer” performed by Brent Petite.
What’s more, “We are blessed to have a young man named August Klughardt playing oboe,” Marquart said of the doctoral-degree candidate.
Thiriot, who served as a music teacher in the Clark County School District, looks forward to conducting SNSO for the second time.
“This will definitely be a concert that the community will want to be a part of, as we enjoy unique music from around the world,” she said.
Tickets, which cost $25 apiece, are available on etix.com or at the CasaBlanca Showroom. The auditorium doors open at 6 p.m. Saturday.
