Madeleine Festival of the Arts and Humanities announces slate of performances and artists

The 2008 Madeleine Festival of the Arts and Humanities has announced the events for the April 6 – May 11 festival.

April 6: "Bach and Beyond: The Music of Leipzig"

The five member internationally acclaimed Calmus Ensemble celebrates the musical heritage of their native city Leipzig, Germany, in this evening’s concert of a capella sacred music.

April 13: "Monteverdi’s Vespers"

The award winning University of Utah Choral Ensembles and Orchestra under the direction of Dr. Brady Allred perform Claudio Monteverdi’s monumental "Vespers of the Blessed Virgin," preceded by a 7 PM lecture on this masterpiece by Dr. Jeffrey Kurtzman of Washington University.

April 20: "A Tapestry of African-American Song"

Acclaimed Boston soprano Christina DeVaughn joins the Salt Lake Chamber Singers under the direction of Lyle Archibald in a stirring performance of Spirituals, hymns and American folk songs. This concert will include such favorites as "Shenandoah," "There is a Balm in Gilead," and "Ride on, King Jesus."

April 27: "Vivaldi, Verdi & Vaughn Williams"

The Cathedral Choir and Chamber Orchestra under the direction of Gregory Glenn perform the recently rediscovered "Dixit Dominus" by Antonio Vivaldi, two of Guiseppe Verdi’s four pieces of sacred music and Ralph Vaughn Williams’ five mystical songs

May 04: Olivier Messaien and the Language of Mystical Love

In celebrating the 100th anniversary of the birth of Olivier Messiaen, organist Dr. Douglas O’Neill performs two of the French composer’s most profound works: "L’Ascension: Quatre Méditations Symphoniques" and "Les Corps Glorieux: Sept. Visions Brèves de la Vie des Ressuscités." This concert will also feature commentary by Gregory Glenn as he shares insights into one of the 20th century’s most important composers.

May 11: Red Rock Rondo: A Musical Trek Through Zion Canyon

Folk musicians Kate MacLeod and Hal Cannon join chamber folk music ensemble blue haiku (Phillip Bimstein, Charlotte Bell, Flavia Cervino-Wood and Harold Carr) in performing "Red Rock Rondo" – a celebration in song of the life and history of Zion National Park.

The public is welcome and these festival events are free of admission charge. Doors open at 7:15 p.m. for 8 p.m. performances. Location: The Cathedral of the Madeleine, 331 East South Temple Street, Salt Lake City.

For further information contact: Drew W. Browning, Madeleine Festival Co-Director (801)546-9500.