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SALT LAKE CITY -- The new music director of the Utah Symphony takes the baton in his first performance Friday and he's is hoping to 'wow' audiences. Thierry Fischer wants to light up the place with Stravinsky's "Fireworks" and "Firebird."
"I wanted to start with fire for this first concert because fire is creating lots of things, creating light, creating a change of reaction and creating energy," he said.
This season the maestro has rearranged the orchestra's seating. He says it sounds better.
The form of musical chairs is not new; it was the popular configuration for orchestras decades ago. The second violins have switched places with the cellos, and the bass section is now behind the first violins.
"The hall is fantastic," he says, "but for the idea of sound I have, I wanted a bit more clarity, a bit more sound distinction and, therefore, I needed to break the habit a little bit."
Fischer says, ultimately, hopes to inspire.
He says, "IPods, we listen to music everywhere -- in elevators, in cars, in bathrooms, in kitchens, on your phones -- so live music is something which can never, ever be replaced with the energy you feel with 90 people on stage. And this energy, I hope, can motivate and inspire Salt Lake City."
The musicians say the talent their new music director brings to the podium causes them to be enthusiastic.
The combination of Thierry Fischer and the Utah Symphony has brought rave reviews in the past, both music director and musicians hope that happens again this weekend.
The Utah Symphony performs at Abravanel Hall Friday and Saturday night at 8. World famous violinist Hilary Hahn is the guest artist.
E-mail: cmikita@ksl.com
