ST. GEORGE — Complementing current exhibit, “National Parks: Uniting America: 100 Years on Common Ground,” the St. George Art Museum will hold its monthly “Art Conversation” Thursday focusing on the music of national parks.
Dr. Paul Abegg and Grace Dayley, of Dixie State University’s music department, will lead the conversation at the museum, 47 E. 200 North, Thursday at 7 p.m.
Dayley will discuss musical contributions to American places made by American composer Ferde Grofé (1892-1971). She plans to place special emphasis on Grofé’s 1931 work “Grand Canyon Suite” and share musical excerpts for the enjoyment of those in attendance.
Abegg will discuss Olivier Messiaen’s “From the Canyons to the Stars,” which was commissioned by the United States for the bicentennial of the Declaration of Independence. The piece was inspired by Messiaen’s visit to several national parks and monuments in Utah including Cedar Breaks, Bryce Canyon and Zion.
The museum’s “Art Conversations” are a monthly third-Thursday gathering of art lovers and collectors interested in both art on display and the artists. All are welcome at no charge.
About the presenters
Dayley holds a Master of Music in music history and literature and a Bachelor of Arts in history and music from Texas State University. Her thesis research focused on early American composer Susan Parkhurst (1836-1918). She has been with Dixie State University since 2012, teaching music history and music appreciation.
Abegg is associate professor of music at Dixie State, director of string studies and music director for the university’s symphony orchestra. He has held faculty positions at Brigham Young University and Olivet College. In addition to being a member of numerous symphonies, Abegg served as concertmaster of the Southwest Symphony from 2007 to 2011. He teaches violin and has led numerous clinics for high school orchestras.
About the St. George Art Museum
The St. George Art Museum is open Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. According to the museum’s mission statement, the city-owned and operated facility exists “to educate … through quality exhibitions, from all periods, cultures and media … and to collect, conserve, inventory, exhibit and interpret art and artifacts from Utah and the West.”
Event details
- When: Thursday, Feb. 18, 7 p.m.
- Where: St. George Art Museum | 47 E. 200 North, St. George | Telephone 435-627-4525 | Web page
- Admission: Free
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