Elvis Costello, Utah Symphony make sweet music

ELVIS COSTELLO AND THE UTAH SYMPHONY, Deer Valley, Aug. 15

DEER VALLEY — As members of the Utah Symphony took their places, and the strings began warming up, a hush fell across the Deer Valley crowd Saturday night.

Utah Symphony conductor Alan Broadbent took his place, and the man of the evening, Elvis Costello, joined the throng on stage.

So casual in his demeanor, Costello began the evening with "Accidents Will Happen," with an effortless, beautiful accompaniment from the symphony.

Pulling from his extensive repertoire, Costello performed "All This Useless Beauty" to an outstanding arrangement, elaborating the elegance and grace of the lyrics.

Costello's stage presence was undeniable. The artist was so comfortable and confident, standing with his hand in his pocket and delivering a mounting intensity in each song.

Costello mentioned that he worked with the symphony for one day on the set list for the evening. The collaboration was simply breathtaking in numbers such as "Veronica" and "The Birds Will Still Be Singing."

After intermission, Costello returned to the stage donning his signature hat. He was even more animated in "Green Shirt" than he had been before the short break.

Costello proved to be true to his original recording while also allowing the symphony's robust talent to equally shine during "Watching the Detectives."

The dramatic styling of "Almost Blue" got Costello behind the piano, playing along with the symphony's melodic accompaniment.

Costello joked that he wrote the romantic song "She" as the theme for the movie "Notting Hill" and was not allowed to use his usual escape clause at the end. Smoothly performed by Costello and delicately accompanied by the symphony, the song may have been one of the most memorable of the evening.

Costello ended the show with an energized performance of "God Give Me Strength."

The songwriter graciously performed an encore set, which included a rousing performance of "Suplher to Sugarcane" off of his new album "Secret, Profane & Sugarcane."

e-mail: jnicholls@desnews.com