The Barrus Concert Hall in the Eliza R. Snow Building will be ringing with classical music this Thursday evening as the BYU-Idaho Symphony Orchestra performs once again.
This time around, it introduces Igor Stravinksy’s “Firebird Suite” as its most notable piece in the performance.
Robert Tueller, the director of the BYU-Idaho Symphony Orchestra says it’s a unique opportunity for students in the orchestra to play the “Firebird Suite.”
“It’s an iconic work in orchestral music, and the students love it because they’re like, ‘I get to play the Firebird!’ Tueller said. “They wish they got to play music like that all the time. It’s definitely an icon of orchestral repertoire from the early part of the 20th century.”
There are unique challenges that come with having an orchestra at BYU-Idaho.
“Because we’re in this unique three-track system, we actually audition a new orchestra every semester because the students on different tracks change,” Tueller said. “It represents some of the finest student musicians we have here at BYU-Idaho. It’s been very rewarding because they do very nice work.”
Tueller credits the students for their hard work and countless hours to put on performances of this caliber.
“We have to know what we’re going to do a year in advance, and sometimes that’s a little scary because I don’t always know what my students’ qualifications are going to be,” Tueller said. “Yet, they always rise to the occasion, and it’s a challenge for them.”
Professional orchestras will usually have around four rehearsals for a piece like the Firebird. The BYU-Idaho Orchestra will typically have eight to nine rehearsals, but with how busy everything has been, students have stepped up and are prepared for the performance despite only six rehearsals.
Tueller invites all to attend the symphony, whether you know music or not.
“It’s difficult for them to perform this music, but it’s not difficult music to listen to,” Tueller said. “These are universally regarded pieces that speak easily to someone even without a musical background. That universal language of music is very obvious in these pieces.”
The Symphony Orchestra will perform Thursday, Nov. 20 at 7:30 p.m. in the Barrus Concert Hall. It will also be streamed live on YouTube. For more information on tickets and the livestream, visit BYU-Idaho’s website.