This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2014, and information in the article may be outdated. It is provided only for personal research purposes and may not be reprinted.
Every year, Utah Chamber Artists artistic director Barlow Bradford and lighting designer Christopher Dance find new ways to capitalize on the visual and sonic splendors of Salt Lake City's Cathedral of the Madeleine. This year's edition of the popular Collage Concerts might be the best yet.
The centerpiece was Erik Esenvalds' short, powerful oratorio "Passion and Resurrection." Soprano Michelle Dean filled the cathedral with her expressive chanting as Dance filled the space with light, directing the audience's eyes to the paintings of events in Jesus' life as the choir, a double quartet and small string orchestra told the story of his crucifixion and resurrection.
The concert's first half followed the traditional collage format of short selections performed by strategically placed singers and instrumentalists, including sacred choral pieces by Ola Gjello and Giuseppe Verdi; a stormy Villa-Lobos dance played by pianist Jared Pierce; Vincent Persichetti's violin sonata, played with polish by Hasse Borup; and Theodore DuBois' "Fiat Lux," in which cathedral organist Gabriele Terrone's crisp touch brought a refreshing lightness to the proceedings. —
Utah Chamber Artists
The choir presents its annual Collage Concert.
With • Conductor Barlow Bradford, organist Gabriele Terrone, violinist Hasse Borup, pianist Jared Pierce and soprano Michelle Dean
Where • Cathedral of the Madeleine, 331 E. South Temple, Salt Lake City
When • Reviewed Monday, Sept. 22; repeats Tuesday, Sept. 23, at 8 p.m.
Running time • 80 minutes, including intermission
Tickets • Free; early arrival recommended