Jessop, Richards of USU join to form new valley choir

The Northern Utah Choral Society has reorganized under new leadership and with a new name. A new choir, the American Festival Chorus, combines the creative forces of Utah State University Music Department Head Craig Jessop and noted Cache Valley composer and musician Jay Richards, the company’s general manager. While the Northern Utah Choral Society no longer exists, the reorganization is supported by the choir’s leadership, including director Cory Evans who adds his endorsement.

The American Festival Chorus is a community outreach effort of USU’s Music Department.

The American Festival Chorus has ambitious plans for its inaugural season. With Jessop, former Mormon Tabernacle Choir director, at the helm as artistic director, plans include semi-annual masterworks performances and community events, as well as recording opportunities.

“While Dr. Jessop’s position will be primarily administrative his first year, it’s unthinkable that he wouldn’t conduct,” Richards said. “It’s what he does, and we’re thrilled that he’s doing it here.”

Richards met Jessop shortly after his appointment at USU, and immediately saw the potential synergy of working on the project together.

“An hour after we met, we had more ideas on the table then we could possibly address,” Richards said. “This is going to be wonderful.”

Two major works round out the year’s season. Jessop will conduct Mozart’s “Requiem” Nov. 15 and Beethoven’s “Choral Fantasy” April 11. Both concerts will involve professional orchestras featuring the Fry Street Quartet and other music department faculty.

Richards, who works in the professional music industry, said the word is out.

“We have hardly begun and I have professionals calling me from Salt Lake,” he said. “They want to be a part of this.”

Auditions for the American Festival Chorus will be held in room 214 of the Chase Fine Arts Center on three consecutive Wednesdays, Aug. 13 and 20 from 6-9 p.m., and Aug. 27 from 4-7 p.m. For audition specifics, visit the Web site (www.americanfestivalchorus.org).

All members of the new choir must audition, including those who previously sang with the Northern Utah Choral Society.