Cathedral Church of St. Mark again to be the site of a winter solstice celebration

The Cathedral Church of St. Mark will again be the site of a winter solstice celebration that has become an annual tradition in downtown Salt Lake City

This musical event brings the sounds of jazz into the historic church with an atmosphere that blends with the Christmas season.

Each year the annual concert features special guest artists accompanied by the Larry Jackstien Group. Jackstien has been a mainstay of this event since its inception 19 years ago.

The program this year has been built around the presentation of some instruments not normally associated with jazz music. The concert will feature the talents of cellist Eric Samuels, Cimbalon performer Igor Iachimciuc and flautist/vocalist Carole Turcotte.

Samuels currently serves as CEO and Music Director of the Park City Music Festival. His training as a renown cellist includes study at Juilliard, Norte Dame, Rutgers and New York University all leading to a Doctorate in Music Performance.

Also featured will be the current visiting professor of music theory and composition at the University of Utah – Dr. Igor Iachimciuc (pronounced ya-en-chuc). A native of Moldova, he is continues to travel worldwide as the recognized master of the Cimbalon, a Hungarian string-percussion instrument that was originally used only by folk musicians.

The versatile Carole Turcottewill be this year's vocalist. Ms. Turcotte also is recognized as one of the area's finest jazz flautists, a role she will assume during the concert.

The Winter Solstice celebration also will feature Larry Jackstien on piano, Jay Lawrence on drums, and Lars Yorgason on bass.

Spence Kinard will present some appropriate holiday thoughts. It will begin at 7:30 p.m. on Friday, December 21 at the Cathedral Church of St. Mark located at the 231 East First South.

The Cathedral is the sponsor of the event.

Admission is complimentary, but donations are encouraged.