Danish Maestro Peter Ettrup Larsen will conduct UW Symphony Nov. 17

Danish maestro Peter Ettrup Larsen will conduct the University of Wyoming Symphony Orchestra in performances of Nordic pieces at 5:30 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 17, in the Fine Arts concert hall.

Tickets cost $10 for the public, $6 for students and $7 for seniors. For tickets, call (307) 766-6666, visit the Fine Arts and UW Union box offices or go online at www.uwyo.edu/finearts.

Pianist Theresa Bogard, UW Department of Music chair, will perform as a soloist in the show.

Larsen has chosen one of the most popular Nordic works ever composed to open the concert, Sibelius' "Finlandia." The tone poem depicts the struggle of the Finnish people to free themselves from Czarist Russian domination, ending with a melody that has since been adopted as the Finnish National Hymn.

"In complete contrast to ‘Finlandia,' the ‘Ravel Piano Concerto' is a light-hearted, brilliant work with slightly jazzy overtones. It's full of French gaiety, yet is a brilliant showpiece for the soloist and showcases several members of the orchestra as well," says Michael Griffith, UW music professor.

Larsen's choice for the concert's closing performance is the "Symphony No. 2" by his fellow countryman, Carl Nielsen. Although not well known in the United States, Nielsen's music is popular throughout northern Europe.

Bogard is an award-winning pianist combining interests in historical performance practice, contemporary music, chamber music and the music of women composers.

Larsen, an associate professor of conducting at the Sibelius Academy, is recognized internationally as a freelance conductor, author and composer. He also is a pianist in the Radio Salon Trio and clarinetist in the Dixieland band The New Orleaners.

Photo:  Danish maestro Peter Ettrup Larsen will conduct the University of Wyoming Symphony Orchestra in performances of Nordic pieces at 5:30 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 17, in the Fine Arts concert hall.