Singers, choir to perform

The University of Utah Singers and the A Cappella Choir will present an eclectic program spanning sacred music to folk and Broadway songs Saturday, Feb. 28.

The highlight of the concert, though, will be the premiere of Nancy Wertsch's "Hail Holy Light," a piece that U. director of choirs Brady Allred commissioned.

"Nancy is a wonderful composer, and we're looking forward to singing it," he told the Deseret News.

The piece is for double choir and based on texts from Genesis and Milton's "Paradise Lost." "We did a piece of hers before," Allred said. "Her music is very different but very effective."

Allred added that it's not easy to describe Wertsch's music, because it doesn't easily fit into any one category. "She has her own compositional style. It's very mystical, but there is also a kind of neo-romanticism in places. It's really quite wonderful."

Wertsch will be in residence at the U. all week to help prepare "Hail Holy Light." At the concert she also will discuss it with those in attendance.

The A Cappella Choir will open the concert with two settings of the Te Deum — Benjamin Britten's "Festival Te Deum" and a setting by John Rutter.

The U. Singers will round out the evening with repertoire they've prepared for their European trip this May. The tour also includes a stop at Marktoberdorf where they will participate in the prestigious International Chamber Choir Competition. "We're competing in two categories, so we're preparing a large number of works," Allred said.

The audience Saturday will get a taste of the repertoire for Europe. "We're going to be doing some sacred music; some American music, which is always popular in Europe; and some musical theater pieces, including the big chorus from 'Oklahoma.' "

Also on the program will be eastern European folk music and "Behold, This is the Way," from Robert Cundick's "The Redeemer."

E-mail: ereichel@desnews.com

If you go…

What: University of Utah Singers and A Cappella Choir, Brady Allred, conductor

Where: Libby Gardner Concert Hall

When: 7:30 p.m. Feb. 28

How much: $7 general admission, $3 students

Phone: 581-7100

Web: kingtix.com