Cathedral choir's opening concert appeals to all cultures

Intermountain Catholic

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The Choir of the Cathedral of the Madeleine directed by Gragory A. Glenn, started their annual concert series with the celebration of St. Cecilia's Day at the Cathedral of the Madeleine.

SALT LAKE CITY —Anglos, Latinos, Blacks, and Asians -- the audience’s origin didn’t matter. All gathered to enjoy the celebration of St. Cecilia’s Day at The Cathedral of the Madeleine, delighted by the angelic voices of The Choir of the Cathedral of the Madeleine.

Directed by Gregory A. Glenn and accompanied by Amanda Moody (soprano), Aubrey Adams-McMillan (Mezzo soprano), Martin Thompson (tenor), Tyler Oliphant (baritone), Evan Shinners (piano) and the Chamber Orchestra, 55 child and 20 adult members made sure that the night was filled with magical sounds.

The concert opened with Te Deum by Anton Bruckner (1824-1896) in which Thompson provided his great voice, as well as the other three soloist.

After the first appearance by the choir Shinners was the master of the stage performing "SONATA N. 2", "PARTITA N.1", and "FOUR PIANO BLUES", captivating the audience with the sounds of his piano.

The concert closed with "FANTASIA QUASI VARIAZIONE ON THE OLD" by Ralph Vaughan Williams (1872-1958), in which the whole cathedral was filled with a sense of happiness and peace.

The audience was very joyful and clapped after every performance, enjoying the extraordinary acoustics in the Cathedral.

"Phenomenal!" was how Jane Baitty, who attended the concert, described it. "The kids were terrific" and "The sound of the piano was wonderful, too."

Susana Alvarez, mother of seventh-grade choir member Emmanuel Alvarez, said she was proud of her son, and that he "is very creative; he loves being part of the choir."

Students from The Madeleine Choir School join the Cathedral choir during performances. The school, in addition to is academic mission, provides children with the musical skills necessary to become singers, composers and instrumentalists. The school was founded in 1990.

The Choir of the Cathedral of the Madeleine was established in 1909. Since its foundation, the choir has sung a wide variety of liturgical arrangements, from Gregorian chant to present day compositions.

The choristers also frequently assist with the worship life at the Cathedral of the Madeleine and have performed with the Mormon Tabernacle Choir, the Utah Symphony & Opera and have been featured in performances with Ballet West and the San Francisco Opera.

The choir has been on seven international tours that have emphasized performances in Rome, Assisi, Florence, Brussels, Munich, Vienna, including St. Peter’s Basilica, Notre Dame in Paris and Spain.

They also broadcast frequently on the radio, airing both concert and liturgical performances. They have four CD recordings available and are working on a fifth.

All the choir’s performances are free and open to the public, but those wishing to attend are requested to call for information and seating. The concert line is 801-994-4663.