RDT Announces New Collaboration with Utah Youth Orchestra & Ensembles

Utah Youth Philharmonic and Utah Youth Symphony Orchestra, in collaboration with Repertory Dance Theatre, will be performing the U.S. premiere of "HandsFree", Anna Meredith's first body percussion piece. This will be the first time that Utah Youth members, under Barbara Scowcroft, Music Director and Conductor, have performed a piece without instruments. They will also be joined by Utah Youth Junior Symphony Orchestra, conducted by Dan Rich, for Tchaikovsky's 4th Symphony.

Anna Meredith wrote "HANDSFREE" with David Olge. The piece premiered in 2012 by the National Youth Orchestra of Great Britain (see video). Called a "breathtaking" and "astonishing" by the Huffington Post, this will be the first time the piece is performed in the States.

RDT dancers, including Executive/Artistic Director, Linda C. Smith and two guests served as coaches throughout the rehearsal process. They will perform on stage with the students on May 14 at Abravanel Hall at 7 PM.

Barbara Scowcroft, Music Director of the Utah Youth Orchestras and Ensembles, says "Utah Youth would like to sincerely thank RDT Director Linda Smith and RDT dancers Justin Bass, Efren Garcia, Elle Johansen, Katherine Kain, Tyler Orcutt, and Ursula Perry for their participation in the U.S. premiere of HandsFree. Their participation has been instrumental in making this Premiere a success!"

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