CONTRIBUTED CONTENT — Concluding a stellar season of bringing live classical music to Southern Utah, the Southwest Symphony will next delight audiences with a medley of Motown hits. The final performance of their 2023-2024 season is scheduled for Friday and Saturday, May 3-4, at their temporary home in the Desert Hills High School performing arts auditorium.
The Southwest Symphony will open the legendary songbook of the Queen of Soul for a tribute to Aretha Franklin along with some hits from Sammy Davis Jr., Stevie Wonder and other Motown favorites. This unforgettable evening of music will have you dancing in your seat and singing along to the timeless classics that defined a generation.
“We’ve made it a tradition to finish our season off with a pops-style concert,” music director Lucas Darger said. “Last year we did the music of James Bond and we’ve done Billy Joel’s songbook. … Those have been really big hits, and we’ve had a lot of requests for more things like that.”
Along with backup singers and a band, the Southwest Symphony will be joined onstage by veteran singer and actress Capathia Jenkins as well as acclaimed musician Ryan Shaw.
Most recently appearing as Medda in Disney’s hit production of “Newsies,” Jenkins also originated the characters of the Washing Machine in “Caroline, or Change” and Frieda May in “Fame Becomes Me” on Broadway. She was nominated for a Drama Desk Award in 2007 for her starring role in “(mis)Understanding Mammy: The Hattie McDaniel Story.”
An active concert artist, Jenkins has appeared with orchestras around the world including the National Symphony Orchestra, the Toronto Symphony Orchestra and the Hong Kong Philharmonic Orchestra. She can be heard on the soundtracks of “Nine,” “Chicago,” “Legally Blonde 2” and other films.
A three-time Grammy nominee for Best Traditional R&B Vocal Performance, Shaw made his Broadway debut in 2013 as Stevie Wonder in “Motown: The Musical” and played the Soul of Michael Jackson in “Thriller – Live” on London’s West End. He has performed worldwide with such iconic artists as Van Halen, Bonnie Raitt, John Legend, B.B. King and Jill Scott.
Shaw’s music has appeared in numerous TV shows, including “So You Think You Can Dance,” “Dancing with the Stars,” “Grey’s Anatomy” and “Lincoln Heights” as well as movies like “My Blueberry Nights,” “Bride Wars” and “Sex and the City.” His new album, “Imagining Marvin,” showcases Marvin Gaye hits alongside original songs and features multiple Grammy-winning co-writers and special guests.
“We had the opportunity to get these two artists to come in, and it was too good of an opportunity to pass up,” Darger said. “They’re just phenomenal artists.”
The show will begin at 7:30 p.m. on both nights. The approximate runtime is 1 hour and 40 minutes, including an intermission. Children younger than age 5 are not permitted.
Ticket prices range between $15.50 and $38 depending on the section. Discounts are available for students and seniors, as well as attendees who buy four or more tickets to the same performance. Tickets may be purchased online or by calling the Utah Tech University ticket office at 435-652-7800.
The Southwest Symphony’s 2024-2025 performance season is set to begin in September. Season ticket information and the schedule of concerts will be announced in the coming weeks.
Originally assembled as a handful of local musicians seeking a venue for sharing classical music with the community, the Southwest Symphony is now an auditioned group of about 80 professional and skilled amateur performers. Alongside renowned guest soloists, the passionate musicians and staff work tirelessly to produce quality concerts every season.
“We’ve got a really supportive and volunteer-driven community that cares about and believes in what we’re trying to accomplish,” Darger said. “We’re fortunate to have a lot of people willing to help make it happen.”
Visit the Southwest Symphony website for more details on upcoming shows and to learn how your support helps advance the performing arts in Southern Utah.
Event details
- What: Southwest Symphony presents “Aretha: A Tribute.”
- When: Friday and Saturday, May 3-4, starting at 7:30 p.m.
- Where: Desert Hills High School, 828 E. Desert Hills Drive, St. George.
- Tickets: $15.50-$38.
- Resources: Website.
Written by ALEXA MORGAN for St. George News.
• S P O N S O R E D C O N T E N T •
Resources
- Southwest Symphony | Telephone: 435-767-9800 | Email: [email protected] | Website.
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