UNLV SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA

BY ED BRUCE edbrucevegas@yahoo.com

I am just glad to be alive and to enjoy this !

Last night I went to Rick Faguno (plays Frankie Valli in Jersey Boys)...he was 4 minutes late...when I saw the musicians come out...there were no strings...I was heartbroken...he sang 3 songs I never heard of.....I left....

NOT TONIGHT

The UNLV Symphony Orchestra right on time to the second, 35 strings, 63 pieces.... classical music to the T at Ham Hall on UNLV campus.

For a school embarassed by the basketball players conduct and the ineptness of their football team this orchestra continues to be a shinning star representing the school...and for a number of years with changing personnel and students.

The glowing gem to this marvel is UNLV professor of orchestras and conductor Taras Kyrsa, one of my personnel heroes with a record to prove it. I was thinking of the organization and instruction needed for 63 personalities, abilities and tempermanents and he had each performing perfectly. 63 students in uniform black gowns and suits with no shirttails out...the UNLV football team wishes they could look and play like this, everybody on the same page with timing, rehersal, preparation and results.

I am not an expert on classical music but I know what I like and I will know if there is a sour note or two available....not tonight !

The exciting thing about the classical music program is you never know what you will get and of course..... some better than others and all to taste...my taste tonight.

Johannes Brahams...Academic Festival Overature...perfect brief opening number just 13 minutes..

Ralph Vaughn Williams....Fantasia on a Theme by Thomas Tallis...just brilliant and not the first Williams piece I have fell in love with...after the Brahams piece I noticed the horns and percussion leaving...instantly judging..."this can't be bad". Just great 35 strings alone in three separate orchestras in a clever never before seen arrangement. Great string stuff with the principals highlighting several sections. Just 15 minutes with the perfect ending....leaving me wanting more..HARD TO TOP THIS.

Intermission....I thought Krysa was on the NFL halftime schedule...12 minutes exactly.

Robert Schumann...Symphony No.4 in D Minor, Op.120...full orchestra...loved it...840 and I am in the car.

One of my themes is ...."SO MANY SYMPHONYS TO BE HEARD...SO LITTLE TIME"...I cashed in on three more tonight before I die.

Call UNLV 895 2787 for upcoming programs like this and similar good stuff.

A big thank you to conductor Krysa and these students for making my day !

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