Heroes will take their journey in the Heritage Youth Symphony Concert: Middle Earth.
With a program including three medleys from Howard Shore’s The Lord of the Rings, the concert is named middle earth based off J.R.R. Tolkien’s book’s setting. The music describes the character’s journeys, and it features “Egmont Overture” composed by Beethoven which tells the story of Dutch hero Count Egmont who opposed the Spaniard’s occupation of Holland in the 16th century.
The symphony is made up of local musicians ranging from ages 14 to 25. They are directed by Jennifer Barrus.
“These little hobbits that go through and end up saving the day and destroying the ring, they're really one of the biggest set of heroes, but there are a lot of other heroes,” Barrus said. “I just like that idea that they're out there fighting against evil and this idea that good is going to overcome with perseverance.”
The concert’s program includes the premiere of a special new symphonic work composed by Brendon Wheeler, the principal violinist and composition student at Berklee College of Music. His arrangement of “Finlandia” shares the familiar melody of “Be Still My Soul.”
“Two years ago, I asked him if he would like to write something for the orchestra, so we're going to be premiering this arrangement of Finlandia,” Barrus said. “The music is very easy to listen to. It's powerful. It's sweet. It's tender. It has everything in it.”
The concert is Wednesday at 7 p.m. in the Rexburg Tabernacle Civic Center. Tickets are $6 and can be purchased online or at the door.
“I think it will inspire these young musicians to keep playing because when people support them, then it makes them feel like they should keep trying to do something that's uplifting and develops their talents,” Barrus said.
You can find tickets and more information at Rexburg.org.