"It's costly to do something like this," Browning said. "That's why we decided to do a benefit performance (on May 19) to help defray the cost. But we're excited about doing it, and it will be a nice gift to the community and a nice way to celebrate the school's 10th anniversary.' "

On May 7, blue haiku will present an evening of folk music. The group consists of Utah composer Phillip Bimstein (guitar and vocals); Charlotte Bell (oboe and English horn); Flavia Cervino-Wood (violin); and Harold Carr (upright bass). Joining them will be local folk singer Kate MacLeod and cowboy poet Hal Cannon.

"This will be an eclectic take on folk music, and it's going to be a stretch for the cathedral, since this kind of music isn't normally heard in the cathedral," Browning said. "It's very folksy, but nice, and they're all very accomplished in their musicality."

The Paradigm Trio — Kelly Parkinson, violin; Joel Rosenberg, viola; and Jed Moss, piano — makes a return visit to the festival the following Sunday. The program celebrates Mozart's 250th birthday, and joining the trio will be Ardean Watts offering commentary on the music.

The final concert takes place June 4 and will be devoted to the tango. Performing will be tango project (Todd Woodbury, guitar; John Thompson, violin; David Asman, clarinet; and Steve Keen, accordion) and members of Wasatch Tango. "I love the tango," Browning said. "We've had two previous tango programs, and this will be a fun evening."

The only non-musical program takes place May 28 and offers an examination of the legacy of Utah artist Bob Olpin. Discussing his works will be Vern Swanson, director of the Springville Museum of Art, and local historian William Seifrit.

This year's Madeleine Award for Distinguished Service to the Arts and Humanities goes to Anne Riordan, emeritus professor of dance at the University of Utah. She will receive the award at a dinner at the Market Street Grill, Cottonwood on June 11. Call the cathedral at 328-8941 for reservations.

Browning admits it's sometimes difficult finding programs that are entertaining and a bit out of the ordinary. "We try to steer clear of well-knownwell known things, and sometimes we get raised eyebrows," he said. "But I believe that God embraces all forms of art — within propriety."

If you go

What: "La Luce Delle Tacite Stelle: Music for Harps and Chorus," Madeleine Festival of the Arts and Humanities

Where: Cathedral of the Madeleine, 331 E. South Temple

When: Today, 8 p.m.