Ever heard of chamber music?
Don’t worry if you haven’t because you’re not alone. At its simplest, chamber music is played by an orchestra small enough to fit into the great palace chambers of yesteryear, generally one performer to a part. String quartets are a good example, though of course there are numerous variations. Goethe described it as “four rational people conversing” (but keep in mind that in his day8212;the 18th century8212;the art of conversation was something that could make or break you). Furthermore, chamber music requires skills8212;both social and musical8212;not needed for solo or symphonic works. Even today famous musicians perform chamber music, for money or pleasure. It’s the same basic idea as a jam session, only with different instruments and musical styles. Even Dumbledore liked chamber music.
So why do we care? Because the Utah Symphony is putting on an evening of chamber music at Westminster College, the first time this has ever been done.
With Keith Lockhart conducting, the evening will open with selections from Olivier Messiaen’s Catalogue d’oiseaux (Catalogue of Birds, for non-French speakers). Each piece features a different bird, painting a poignant mental picture. The orchestra will be accompanied by acclaimed bass-baritone Timothy Jones in the evening closer, Dominick Argento’s one-man opera A Water Bird Talk. Jones “combines intelligent musicianship, commanding vocal technique and a unique ability to connect with audiences,” said the Utah Symphony in a press release. “He is a champion of opera, the concert stage, chamber music, solo recitals and the premieres of contemporary works.” The opera combines sound effects, music, drama and voice to a dramatic effect.
The concert will take place at Westminster’s Jewett Performing Arts Center on Sept. 24 and 25 at 8 p.m., so plan accordingly. Student tickets are available at (801) 533-NOTE (533-6683). Everyone else call (801) 355-ARTS (355-2787).
Have fun! It’ll be an interesting night.
Keith Lockhart is conducting the Utah Symphony in concert September 24 and 25 at Westminster?s Jewett Performing Arts Center.