Some of the finest moments of Keith Lockhart's 13-year leadership of the Utah Symphony came in large-scale choral works — particularly 20th-century masterpieces such as Britten's "War Requiem" and Bernstein's "Mass." Lockhart came up with another winner to mark the end of his formal relationship with the orchestra: Michael Tippett's powerful antiwar oratorio "A Child of Our Time."

Among works of its genre, Tippett's is arguably the most efficient in outlining the ever-vexing problems of oppression, injustice and inhumanity — especially impressive when you consider that he wrote his own libretto after T.S. Eliot declined. Though Tippett's musical language is modern, he used the traditional oratorio as his model, with a handful of American spirituals as anchor points. (These performances are doubly well-timed, falling during Passover and Holy Week.)

Lockhart has recruited a first-class quartet of soloists: soprano Indra Thomas, mezzo Marietta Simpson, tenor Russell Thomas and bass-baritone Derrick Parker. All sang with keen musical focus and emotional conviction on Friday, but Indra Thomas was first among equals, thanks largely to her stunning delivery of the spiritual "O, By and By." The Utah Symphony Chorus, impeccably prepared by Susanne Sheston, also sang with dramatic power and clear diction.

The Utah Symphony supported the singers with warmth and expressiveness.

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Utah Symphony

Michael Tippett's oratorio "A Child of Our Time."

With • Conductor Keith Lockhart, the Utah Symphony Chorus and soloists.

Where • Abravanel Hall, 123 W. South Temple, Salt Lake City.

When • Reviewed Friday, April 22; repeats Saturday, April 23, at 8 p.m.

Running time • 75 minutes; no intermission.

Tickets • $20 to $90 at www.utahsymphony.org, 801-355-ARTS or the box office.

Vivace • $35 for concert and postconcert party with musicians, including drinks and food from Frida Bistro; www.usuo.org/vivace.