Symphony offers Christmas Oratorio

In the hustle-bustle of Christmastime, sometimes it's easy to forget that there's more to the season than just Santa, presents and a stress-induced headache.

So the Utah Symphony has decided this year to start a new tradition.

The idea started with a conversation with music director Keith Lockhart, according to Anne Ewers, Utah Symphony and Opera CEO.

"So much that goes on at Christmas time is of a secular nature," Ewers said, "and we thought it was important to get back to the true meaning of the holiday. We decided that we would like to start a tradition of doing some choral work that relates to the Christmas season."

For this first season, that work will be Bach's Christmas Oratorio (parts 1-3), in a special performance featuring guest conductor Grant Llewellyn and the Utah Chamber Artists.

Ewers said they decided on Bach's oratorio because it is such an exquisite work and one that is most treasured.

Also, she felt that the Utah Chamber Artists would be an ideal pairing with the piece. "The Utah Chamber Artists are just superb in that style. They have the feel, they have the nuance, they have the ability to be with that absolute bell-like quality."

And that Grant Llewellyn's affinity for baroque music (he currently serves as music director and principal conductor of Boston's Handel and Haydn society) would add to the experience. "He's a wonderful, wonderful conductor," said Ewers.

Although it might seem adequate to celebrate the true meaning of Christmas through sacred music alone, the Utah Symphony is taking it a step further. As a way of saying thank you, several public-service organizations have been invited to be guests at this concert. "We, as a performing-arts organization, and more importantly, we as citizens of this community, depend day and night, 24/7, on our police force, on our fire department, on our county (security)."

Further, Ewers said she wanted to recognize organizations that give to others in need — the American Red Cross, the Traveler's Aid Society, the Urban Crossroads Center and the Salvation Army. "We really want them and their families to know how grateful we are for what they do for us every day of the year."

And she added that "it also, in a way, reflects our huge thanks to this community."

If you go What: "Bach's Christmas Oratorio," Utah Symphony & Utah Chamber Artists Where: Abravanel Hall, 123 W. South Temple When: Wednesday, 7:30 p.m. How much: $29-$45 Phone: 355-2787 or 1-800-451-2787 Web: www.arttix.org

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E-mail: rcline@desnews.com