ASTA Opens with BYU Philharmonic and Lynn Harrell Performance

Stephanie PowellMarch 19, 2015

By Stephanie Powell

The American String Teachers Association (ASTA) opened last night with a performance from the BYU Philharmonic in concert with cellist Lynn Harrell at Salt Lake County Center for the Arts’ Abravanel Hall. The 2015 conference is being held in Salt Lake City from March 18 through March 21.

The performance, led by conductor Kory Katseanes of the BYU Phil, was introduced by Katseanes, who expressed his gratitude to have Harrell present and performing with his students.

“I’m also grateful for the Utah Symphony having the night off,” Katseanes said with a coy smile, “so that we can play here tonight.”

The concert’s repertoire included Hector Berlioz’s Overture to Benvenuto Cellini, Richard Strauss’ Don Juan, and Antonin Dvorak’s Concert for Cello and Orchestra in B Minor, Op. 104—with the 71-year-old Harrell as soloist, fervently leading the way.