The major work on the program was living composer Dominick Argento's one-character opera "A Water Bird Talk," in which an ornithology lecture goes tragicomically awry. Jones was in complete command playing the role of a henpecked husband who ends up revealing far more about his life's disappointments and regrets than he intended. Initially, the singer's personal warmth and confidence made it difficult to see him as a pathetic figure, but the pathos and bitterness were clear enough in the character's eventual breakdown. The instrumental ensemble, led by Lockhart, gave a colorful performance that at times threatened to overpower Jones, whose pristine diction nonetheless managed to assert itself.
Utah Symphony pianist Jason Hardink, whose mastery of and devotion to the music of Olivier Messiaen make him a treasure in our city, opened the program with two selections from Messiaen's "Catalog d'oiseaux." As usual, his technique and artistry were excellent. Watts, despite his professed uncertainty about his role as host, conducted an informative Q-and-A with the pianist between the two selections. Let's hope this stimulating and audience-friendly concert format soon gains the audience it deserves.
- CATHERINE REESE NEWTON at creese@sltrib.com or 801-257-8616. Send comments about this review to livingeditor@sltrib.com.
