Cheyenne Symphony Orchestra Celebrates Scandinavian Composers with Nordic Triumph

Cheyenne Symphony Orchestra (CSO) Music Director and Conductor, William Intriligator, shared the CSO will be performing a new concert, Nordic Triumph on November 16th, 2019.

Intriligator explained, “The program features three Scandinavian works, and all three of these pieces are beautiful, exciting and triumphant. It begins with the rarely heard Maskerade Overture by Danish composer Carl Nielsen. It’s festive and lively, as one would expect in an overture to an opera about Carnival. I’m surprised it isn’t performed more often. In fact, I wasn’t aware of it until I stumbled upon this little musical gem on YouTube one day! It will be my first time conducting this piece and I’m guessing the orchestra musicians haven’t played it before either. I’m sure our audience will enjoy it.”

Silvana Santinelli

In contrast, Grieg’s Piano Concerto, also to be performed that evening, is a well-known favorite. It was suggested for this concert by Dr. JJ Chen, who won the opportunity to program a piece at the 2018 CSO Gala.

“I was so glad he chose this piece, since audiences always love this Norwegian ‘greatest hit,’ and the orchestra always enjoys performing it,” Intriligator adds.

In an effort to promote regional musicians, we are featuring pianist Silvana Santinelli, who is based in Fort Collins. Originally from Mexico, Silvana was a professor of piano at CSU for nine years.

The concert ends with another masterpiece of symphonic music, Sibelius’ Symphony No. 2.

“I absolutely love this piece! It has an amazing balance between conveying human emotions and depicting elemental landscapes. There is so much heart in the piece!” enthuses Intriligator. “In fact, the composer himself called it ‘a confession of the soul’, yet it has moments sounding like birds flying and other moments that sound like slipping on ice in Finland. Plus, it has one of the most splendid finales in all of symphonic literature, so don’t miss it!”

Enhance your experience with “Lunch and Learn” on Nov. 15th, from 12-1:30 PM at the Laramie County Library and “Classic Conversations” on Nov. 16th, at 6:30 PM at the Civic Center, prior to the concert. Maestro Intriligator and guest artist Silvana Santinelli will be available for media interviews prior to the concert by calling Lindsey Reynolds at 778-8561.

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