OGDEN’S ‘UNTAMED’ ORCHESTRA POPS AGAIN!
On Saturday, a free concert with food trucks, grass to sit on, and a crowd-pleasing sing-a-long song is back at the Ogden Amphitheater.
NEWS
Untamed Pops! annual outdoor summer concert returns to the Ogden Amphitheater on Saturday, June 29 at 7:30 p.m. for a night of wonderful live music from Chamber Orchestra Ogden and good food. This year will feature an appearance by The Lars Yorgason Singers, a Utah-based vocal jazz group, and World Famous Yum Yum and El Mini Taco food trucks.
Blankets and chairs are encouraged, and attendees may bring a picnic dinner. No outside alcohol is permitted but adult beverages will be available inside the venue.
There is always something to discover in the Ogden music scene with new artists and old favorites to revisit. Among those favorites for many Ogdenites is the ever-growing Chamber Orchestra Ogden. Founded in 2011 by conductor Michael Palumbo, the orchestra started with strings and slowly branched out to add brass and percussion making them the powerhouse they are today.
I had the opportunity to sit down with the music man himself. We talked about this great group of musicians, whose growth Palumbo says has been “wonderful.” Hand-picking the musicians that are right for the group is a big job. They must first get on the sublist by sending a music resume to Palumbo. If they turn out to be a good sub, he will extend the offer to be part of the chamber. I told Palumbo that sounds like a big process, and he replied that he wants musicians “who love what they do.”
With some group members being in Chamber Orchestra Ogden since its conception, there’s a level of love and commitment. Members Stephanie and Dave Strait have landed playing and judging gigs not only because of their talent but also because of the connections through the group.
Stephanie Strait said that throughout her ten years with the chamber, the group has only grown in talent. “I sit in the middle of some amazing players and I’m just amazed,” she said. “I’ve watched the group just get better and better over the years.”
I asked Palumbo if Chamber Orchestra Ogden were the ones people called when they needed an orchestra in Ogden, and he chuckled a bit, “That’s an interesting thought. I guess we are now.”
After playing significant events in Ogden like Bach Fest, Ogden Musical Theatre, the 100th Anniversary of Peery’s Egyptian Theater, and countless others over the years, it’s safe to say they are now an Ogden staple.
The group hasn’t always done their Untamed Pops! summer concert. They originally had fall, winter, and spring concerts. After doing the 2019 Ogden UnCon Pops concert where they played many superhero themes and other fan favorites, Palumbo decided to talk to the board of Chamber Orchestra Ogden and get more funding to do a summer concert and the annual Untamed Pops! was created.
This year will be no less special than years past. Palumbo mentioned a piece by local composer Alfonso Tenriero that he is particularly excited about called ‘Alma de Venezuela.’
If you can’t attend the concert and its festivities, Palumo and the Straits say there are ways to help the chamber continue their musical journey. Donations are always appreciated as they are a nonprofit that runs on grant money. If you’d like to donate, you’ll find a blue ‘Donate Today’ button on the top right of their user-friendly website.
Chamber Orchestra Ogden’s Untamed Pops! is Saturday, June 29 at the Ogden Amphitheater. Doors are at 5:30 p.m. and live music starts at 7:30 p.m. Admission is free.