The BYU-Idaho Symphony Orchestra will perform on May 15th in celebration of spring, offering an evening of music full of energy, renewal and cultural depth. The concert is divided into two thematic halves, the first is honoring composers from Finland.
The first portion honors Finland’s musical legacy, featuring the work of Jean Sibelius—widely regarded as one of Finland’s most important composers and a national hero. Sibelius, who represented Finnish nationalism in the early 20th century, is best known for pieces that stir deep emotional responses. The Symphony Orchestra will perform one of his most iconic works, “Finlandia.” Audience members may recognize the middle section of the piece as the familiar hymn in the hymn book for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, “Be Still, My Soul,” though in this context it takes on a more rousing, patriotic tone.
The orchestra will also perform a piece by Einojuhani Rautavaara, a leading figure in contemporary Finnish music and one of the most significant composers of the 21st century. His string compositions offer a modern tone while maintaining a connection to Finnish tradition.
The last half of the concert will be a celebration of spring; with the performance of Antonín Dvořák’s Symphony No. 8 in G Major, a bright, joyful work that perfectly captures the spirit of spring. Dallin Hansen, director of the BYU-Idaho Symphony Orchestra, counts this piece among his personal favorites.
“Especially here in Rexburg, where winters seem to drag on, it’s important to celebrate the arrival of spring,” Hansen said. “The sound of a symphony orchestra brings with it the feeling of rebirth and vibrant energy. There is something very special about the sound of a symphony orchestra with the blending of all the different families of instruments; the colors you get from the brass and the woodwinds, and the strings, the drama that can be painted with all the sounds, the beauty, the sweetness.”
Hansen hopes the audience can appreciate the positive effects of live music, both emotionally and spiritually.
“There’s something almost undefinable about what music can do for us mentally and spiritually,” he said. “For me, and I hope for the audience as well, it helps lift us to a higher plane of thinking and feeling.”
The concert takes place May 15th at 7:30 p.m. in the Barrus Concert Hall. Tickets are $5.