CHEYENNE, Wyo. — The Cheyenne Symphony Orchestra invites members of the public to attend its performance of Holst’s “The Planets” at 7:30 p.m. March 16. The concert is part of CSO’s 2023–24 season, “The Universe Awaits.”
CSO is excited to welcome back Cheyenne native Sarah Hartmann, who is currently a stage director in New York City. Hartmann wrote and will perform a new dramatic presentation between musical selections in the concert. Entitled “Music of the Spheres,” Sarah’s script explores our human connection to the stars, sun, moon and planets through a program of great orchestral music and acting.
The evening’s performance will open with “Mothership” by American composer Mason Bates. Like many pieces for orchestra, Mothership incorporates the use of electronica and recorded beats/rhythms from electronic dance music meshed with the sounds of a large symphony orchestra. Maestro William Intriligator, CSO music director and instructor, states the piece “has an exciting, fresh sound and creates the incredible effect of a giant ship taking off right on the stage.”
The concert’s centerpiece is Holst’s “The Planets,” a sensational multi-movement work for a large symphony orchestra. As the name suggests, the piece depicts seven planets, though Holst’s inspiration was more astrological than astronomical. The performance features bass oboe, tenor tuba, organ and a hidden women’s chorus in the final section.
“It is always spectacular to hear Holst’s The Planets live, and a whole new dimension will come to people familiar with this piece through Sarah’s original, insightful and dramatic presentation,” Intriligator said.
The women’s chorus, prepared by Sean Ambrose, is comprised of local Cheyenne singers who have volunteered their time and talents for this special performance. They will also join the orchestra for Carlisle Floyd’s aria, “Ain’t it a Pretty Night,” from his opera “Susannah.” The program will end with the short, familiar “Clair de Lune” by Debussy in a beautiful arrangement for orchestra.
“Classic Conversations,” an abbreviated introduction to the concert by the Maestro, will take place at 6:30 p.m., just prior to the full orchestra, at the Civic Center for ticketed patrons. The concert will also be livestreamed for $25 per household for those who are unable to attend in person.
