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Many people were alarmed and upset by a recent uptick in reports of crimes targeting Muslims and other immigrants. Choral conductors Matthew Nielsen and Leland Spindler decided to do something about it.

"I read an article in The Salt Lake Tribune the day after the election in which Muslims said they didn't feel safe," Nielsen said. "I was broken-hearted. But rather than just saying, 'Oh, not everyone in Utah is like that,' my answer was, 'We have to tell them in our actions — "We're glad you're here, you have a home here, we're a better place because you're here." ' "

Spindler echoed Nielsen's sentiments in a separate phone interview, adding he wanted to send these neighbors a message that "the artistic community welcomes you."

The two conductors decided to bring their professional chamber choirs, Brevitas and Lux, together for a concert Friday at Salt Lake City's Sacred Heart Catholic Church benefiting refugees, immigrants and other displaced people. The repertoire will focus on peace, love and fellowship; selections include American folk hymns and Ola Gjeilo's setting of "Ubi Caritas." Admission is free, but those who are able are encouraged to donate to the International Rescue Committee. The IRC assists people in "any type of human crisis, whether it's medical, natural or manmade," Spindler said.

Nielsen formed Brevitas in 2013, drawing a mix of singers from along the Wasatch Front and others whom the choir flies in from across the country on an ad-hoc basis. They gather for a week at a time throughout the year to put together a concert or recording; the compressed time frame is one reason for the group's name. (Another is that "we get to the soul of wit; we take away superfluous material and leave only the things we really, really want to say," Nielsen said.) Brevitas has 80 to 85 singers on its roster, with 36 singing on a typical concert, depending on repertoire. Spindler, Nielsen's former Brigham Young University classmate, started the 35-voice Lux around the same time Brevitas was born. It's an ecumenical ensemble, focusing on religious music from as many denominations as possible.

"I don't think there's a better combination, especially for something like this," Nielsen said of the collaboration. —

Shed a little light

The Brevitas and Lux chamber choirs will join forces for the benefit of refugees, immigrants and other displaced people.

When • Friday, Jan. 20, 7:30 p.m.

Where • Sacred Heart Catholic Church, 946 S. 200 East, Salt Lake City

Admission • Free, but donations for the International Rescue Committee are requested; rescue.org