On Aug. 7, the Utah Symphony presented an all-Rachmaninoff concert at Deer Valley. Although the weather was threatening that afternoon, it was the biggest crowd this summer season for the symphony.
As the orchestra was performing the Second Symphony, the lightning moved very close, and by the start of the slow movement, the rain had become quite hard and required a delay. With a break in the rain, we were pleasantly surprised to see the bulk of our audience still in attendance and waiting for the completion of the concert.With the threat of rain still looming, the decision was made to continue the concert by performing the finale and skipping over the slow movement. At the
completion of the finale, a very wet and appreciative
audience came to its feet, and as the ovation continued, the audience began to chant for the missing third movement.
At this point, despite continuing rain, the slow movement was performed to another very enthusiastic and wet ovation.
At a time when the Utah Symphony has suffered a string of financial disappointments and is struggling, it was such an uplifting experience to see an audience brave such extreme elements to hear the orchestra play and to receive such an overwhelming response.
To all of the Deer Valley patrons of Aug. 7, from the Utah Symphony, a sincere and heartfelt thank you.
Larry Zalkind
Executive Board member
Principal trombonist
Utah Symphony