USU choirs to be showcased on Temple Square
The USU University Chorale and USU Chamber Singers are joining forces to tackle a performance in the Tabernacle on Temple Square in Salt Lake City.
The choirs were invited to perform alongside five other choirs from all over Utah at the Temple Square Festival of Choirs.
“This performance is meant to be a celebration of Aggies,” said Cory Evans, director of the choirs. “We have invited many alumni from Utah to come support us. We are proud to be Aggies in the Tabernacle.”
Evans said it was exciting to be invited to the event.
“It shows the great respect and esteem that our program has,” Evans said.
More than 100 singers from the chorale and chamber singers groups will be combining with about ten singers from the USU Eastern campus.
“It is a great chance to strengthen the ties between the two campuses,” Evans said.
The choirs will meet at Temple Square on April 25 at 8 p.m. to perform 14 songs from a variety of styles. The festival is free and open to anyone ages 8 and up.
“You will get to hear a lot of diverse choral music that spans different genres,” said Kevin Diehl, a graduate student in conducting.
Both Evans and Diehl said the most exciting part is the chance to perform in the venue.
“The organ is the most exciting part,” Diehl said. “It is a historical piece with a rich background. It is well-known and has a familiar sound.”
The organ, built in 1867, has been a familiar sight and sound for those who have watched a performance from the Mormon Tabernacle Choir.
Evans referred to the organ as a “soul-stirring” sonance.
“The Tabernacle is a historical and unique venue with great acoustics,” he said. “It is really a prestigious chance to get invited to perform in the Tabernacle.”
Gabby Magallanes, a freshman majoring in music therapy and a member of the chorale singers group, said she was looking forward to Saturday’s performance.
“I am really excited because I am from Salt Lake City,” Magallanes said. “It is like I am going home to perform. It’s great because it is so close that my family will get to see me perform.”
Evans said it was a great opportunity for the students to get out of Cache Valley and perform for a larger audience.
The USU Chamber Singers recorded a CD at the St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church in Logan last year.
The CD, “Devotion,” features thirteen sacred songs. “Devotion” is available at the USU Campus Store and online.
– katie.whitmore@aggiemail.usu.edu