The Bountiful Philharmonia invites you to an evening of vibrant orchestral music inspired by cities, cultures, and powerful musical storytelling. Our upcoming concert features George Gershwin’s beloved symphonic poem An American in Paris, alongside exciting works by Dmitri Shostakovich, Sergei Rachmaninoff, and Arturo Márquez.
Join us for this dynamic performance conducted by Darrin Thiriot, celebrating the richness and variety of orchestral music from the 20th century.
Saturday, April 18, 2026 | 7:00 PM
Woods Cross High School | 600 W 2200 S | Woods Cross, UT
🎟 Free Admission — Donations Appreciated
An American in Paris
George Gershwin
One of the most beloved orchestral works by an American composer, George Gershwin’s An American in Paris captures the excitement and wonder of experiencing Paris for the first time.
Written in 1928, the piece blends classical orchestral writing with the unmistakable rhythms and harmonies of American jazz. Gershwin himself described the work as a musical portrait of an American traveler strolling through the streets of Paris, taking in the sights and sounds of the city.
The piece is filled with vivid imagery: bustling boulevards, lively cafés, and the unmistakable sound of Parisian taxi horns, which Gershwin famously incorporated directly into the orchestra. These playful effects create a vivid musical travelogue that transports listeners across the Atlantic.
Lyrical melodies contrast with energetic dance rhythms, capturing both the excitement of exploration and the occasional homesickness felt by a traveler abroad.
Additional Program Highlights
Dmitri Shostakovich
The music of Dmitri Shostakovich reflects the intensity and complexity of the 20th century. Composing during the Soviet era, Shostakovich often balanced artistic expression with political pressure. His music is known for its dramatic contrasts—shifting quickly between biting satire, powerful orchestral force, and deeply emotional lyricism.
Shostakovich’s works frequently feature bold rhythms, striking orchestral colors, and unforgettable melodies that make them both thrilling and thought-provoking for audiences.
Sergei Rachmaninoff
Few composers wrote more lush and emotionally sweeping music than Sergei Rachmaninoff. Famous for his expansive melodies and rich orchestration, Rachmaninoff’s music embodies the romantic tradition at its most expressive.
His works often combine powerful orchestral climaxes with deeply introspective passages, creating music that feels both grand and deeply personal. Even decades after his death, Rachmaninoff remains one of the most beloved composers among audiences and performers alike.
Arturo Márquez
Mexican composer Arturo Márquez has become internationally known for his vibrant orchestral works inspired by Latin American dance traditions.
His music often incorporates rhythms from traditional Mexican dance forms such as danzón, creating energetic and colorful pieces that celebrate culture, movement, and community. Márquez’s compositions bring rhythmic excitement and a festive spirit to the concert hall.
An Evening of Musical Journeys
This concert brings together composers from four different cultural traditions—American, Russian, and Mexican—each offering a unique musical voice.
From the jazzy streets of Paris, to the dramatic intensity of Soviet-era symphonism, to the sweeping romance of Russian melodies and the rhythmic vitality of Latin American dance, the program highlights the incredible diversity of orchestral music.
Whether you are a long-time classical music lover or attending your first orchestral performance, this concert promises an evening of powerful music and unforgettable melodies.
