Utah Symphony to Perform THE NUTCRACKER in January

The Utah Symphony welcomes back guest conductor Mark Wigglesworth with performances of Dimitri Shostakovich's "Symphony No. 15" and the second act of Tchaikovsky's "The Nutcracker" on Jan. 9 and 10 at 8 p.m. at Abravanel Hall. Tickets, priced from $18 to $69 ($10 for students), are available for purchase through www.utahsymphony.org or by calling (801) 355-2787.

Mr. Wigglesworth, who will become Music Director of English National Opera in 2015, is both a conductor of symphony and opera. The Detroit Free Press wrote, "One of Wigglesworth's strengths is that he brings his own thoughtful ideas to the podium, along with a meticulous streak that gives his performances a polished sheen," and it is because of this ability that the Utah Symphony keeps inviting Mr. Wigglesworth as a frequent return guest conductor. Mr. Wigglesworth is considered one of the masters of Shostakovich, having recorded all 15 symphonies with the Netherlands Radio Philharmonic Orchestra.

"There is a totality and succinctness to the Fifteenth that makes it hard not to interpret it as anything other than the story of the composer's life and a chronicle of his time," Wigglesworth says. "To [emphasize] the work's autobiographical nature, Shostakovich either directly quotes from, or at least conveys the atmospheres of, all his previous symphonies."

Shostakovich originally subtitled the first movement of Symphony No. 15 "The Toyshop" for subtle references to the composer's grandson and jovial percussion that is extremely unusual, says Utah Symphony | Utah Opera principal librarian Clovis Lark. A quirky five-note motif in German notation spells out SASHA, the name of his grandson who was nine years old at the time. Mr. Lark explains that Shostakovich's 'Toy Shop' ties into the second part of Tchaikovsky's 'The Nutcracker' and the sweets theme, so the pairing of these two works on one concert program is a natural one.

Tchaikovsky's "The Nutcracker" is a holiday staple in many parts of the world. In the ballet, young Clara dreams of her toys coming to life, of being grown up and in love with a prince. This weekend's performances focus on Act 2 of the ballet, where Clara and her Prince travel to the land of the Sugar Plum Fairy. Joviality is portrayed in the various forms music including slow waltzes and upbeat dances with themes from China, Russia and Arabia.

It is rare to experience Tchaikovsky's work performed as it was written for a full symphony orchestra, because ballet orchestra pits only accommodate smaller ensembles. This weekend's performances offer audiences the chance to focus on the delightful music of this popular masterpiece.

Experience a behind-the-scenes look at the Utah Symphony at an open dress rehearsal, as part of the Finishing Touches Series. Complimentary light refreshments are served prior to the rehearsal in the lobby. Final rehearsals are held on the Friday morning of the designated concert programs at 10 a.m. at Abravanel Hall.

Additional Finishing Touches performances are: André Watts plays Beethoven Piano Concerto No. 5 (Mar. 6) and Mahler's Symphony No. 4 (May 22). For ticket information, call (801) 533-6683.

Guest Conductor Mark Wigglesworth and Vice President of Artistic Planning Toby Tolokan will present a free pre-concert chat for ticket holders each night at 7 p.m., one hour prior to the start of the performance on the orchestra level of Abravanel Hall (123 West South Temple)

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