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Frank Martin's unaccompanied Mass for Double Choir was a hidden treasure for 40 years, its composer keeping it to himself because it was such a personal expression of religious devotion. Even now, performances are rare because only the most proficient choirs are brave enough to take it on. Salt Lake City is fortunate to have such a choir in Utah Chamber Artists, which gave a radiant performance of this singular Mass setting Monday under the baton of its artistic director, Barlow Bradford.
From the opening Kyrie, the 47-voice choir sang with such unity and focus that it was clear this would be an extraordinary evening. Warmth of tone was paired with razor-sharp articulation, whether in the lively polyphony of the Credo or the reverent joy of the sublime Sanctus.
For the second half of the program, a chamber orchestra and Cathedral of the Madeleine organist Gabriele Terrone joined the singers in seven Requiem movements by four other composers: Duruflé, Mozart, Fauré and Rutter. Soprano Melinda Kirigin-Voss, an 11-year veteran of UCA, sang the solo in the Rutter beautifully. —
Utah Chamber Artists
The choir shines in a program of liturgical music by Frank Martin and four other composers.
With • Conductor Barlow Bradford and soprano Melinda Kirigin-Voss
When • Monday
Where • Libby Gardner Concert Hall, Salt Lake City