Masterworks 2023: The Music of Morten Lauridsen
When deciding what work to do for my first masterworks, I decided that I wanted to do something more contemporary instead of a typical masterworks. I wanted to come up with something that will interest our audience as well as offer our students at Spanish Fork High School a unique musical experience that will stretch them and help them appreciate all types of music. I ultimately decided that doing music from the great choral composer, Morten Lauridsen, would be the best option for us.
While attending Utah State University, I had the opportunity to sing in the Utah State University Chamber Singers under the direction of Dr. Cory Evans for my entire time at USU. During my time at USU, we held a concert at the Ellen Eccles Theater where we performed the music of Morten Lauridsen. At first, I REALLY did not have much love for the music. It was complex, it was a different style than I was used to...I really didn't like it! A few days before the concert, Morten Lauridsen himself came and spent time with the USU Chamber Singers. He worked with us, he spoke with us regarding his composition process and his inspirations for each of the songs he wrote that we were performing. Those few days with Morten Lauridsen changed the entire choirs appreciation and love for his music. His attention to detail and careful craft can be found throughout all of his music that he has written. I saw his music with new eyes and new ears. I fell in love with it.
Our masterworks concert will include many pieces composed by Morten Lauridsen, including some of his most famous pieces such as "Dirait-On" and "Sure on This Shining Night". Our evening will end with his 28-minute-piece entitled "Lux Aeterna", accompanied on organ by Zhenya Jaynes of BYU. It will be a night to remember. Even though Morten will not be at our performance, I hope you can feel of his beautiful compositional techniques as you grow to love and appreciate his works.
-Bryson Gray, Director of Choirs
UPCOMING EVENTS:
Region Chamber Choir (Chamber Only)
Wednesday, March 15th, 2022
Salem Hills HS; 1-3pm
Region Vocal Solo and Ensemble*
Wednesday, March 15th, 2023
Salem Hills HS; 3:30-9pm
*for anyone wanting to compete
Masterworks Dress Rehearsal
Thursday, March 16th, 2023
SFHS Auditorium; 6-8pm
***NOT OPEN TO THE PUBLIC***
Masterworks Concert: The Music of Morten Lauridsen
Friday, March 17th, 2023
SFHS Auditorium; 7pm; Free Admission
Choir Tour
CANCELLED FOR THIS SCHOOL YEAR
Region Large Choir (Concert and Mosaic)
Wednesday, April 19th, 2023
Provo HS; 2-4:30pm
UVU Bass Clef Fest
Saturday, April 22nd, 2023
UVU; 2-9pm; ANY bass or tenor invited
Region Training Choir (Men's & Women's Chorus)
Wednesday, April 26th, 2023
Maple Mountain HS; 1pm-???
UHSAA State Solo and Ensemble*
Saturday, April 29th, 2023
Provo HS; times assigned later
*must qualify for state at region solo and ensemble
UHSAA State Chamber Choir*
Saturday, April 29th, 2023
Provo HS; times assigned later
*must qualify for state at region chamber choir
UMEA State Choir (Mosaic & Concert)*
May 12th-14th
University of Utah - Libby Gardner Hall; times assigned later
*must qualify for state at region large choir
End of Year Concert (Theme TBA)
Wednesday, May 17th, 2023
SFHS Auditorium; 7pm; Free admission