There are many times I've wanted to opine about troubling world events, distressing social inequities and perilous environmental issues. But it took a transcendent concert by the Utah Chamber Artists Sept. 18 to finally get me to put pen to paper (or digit to keyboard!).
    Barlow Bradford and his impeccably-rehearsed group took a few hundred lucky souls on a musical journey in the timeless confines of the Cathedral of the Madeleine, transporting us all to a place of hope, awe and musical perfection. The songs chosen spanned more than 600 years and, while disparate in style and orchestration, shared one common component: They uplifted every soul in the most sublime and meaningful way, giving needed life perspective.
    Amidst the din of a troubled world, I felt hope between the notes. Thank you, Barlow Bradford, The Utah Chamber Artists and special guests, for reminding me of Victor Hugo's quote, "Music expresses that which cannot be said and on which it is impossible to be silent."
   
    Kurt Bestor
    Salt Lake City
   


Chamber builds a musical collage


REVIEW - September 18, 2007
Catherine Reese Newton

Utah Chamber Artists' annual Collage Concert is a reliable highlight of the concert season. Salt Lake City music buffs can count on artistic drector Barlow Bradford to use the Cathedral of the Madeleine's acoustic and visual
beauty to full advantage.

This year's edition featured various combinations of voices and instruments in a continuous flow of mostly English and French music; the performers were placed strategically throughout the building, and artful lighting invited
the audience to contemplate the paintings of Christ and angels.

Celena Shafer was the star among stars Monday. The Utah-born soprano, who has built an impressive international opera and concert career, joined the UCA chamber orchestra in Handel's aria "Let the Bright Seraphim." Her
scintillating voice and irrepressible stage presence filled the the space to glorious effect. Trumpeter Ed Gornick was a gracious a duet partner. Shafer showed another side to her artistry in two love songs by Gabriel Faure, with
Bardford providing expressive piano accompaniment.

Other soloists were baritone Michael Chipman, who brought gravitas and sensitivity to Vaughan Williams' "Love Bade Me Welcome" and the chant "We Will lay Us Down in Peace"; pianist Richard Marshall, who played the Toccata from Ravel's "Le Tombeau de Couperin" with technical brilliance and accompanied Chipman in the Vaughan Williams: organist Douglas O'Neill, who offered a majestic Allegro from Widor's "Symphonie gothique"; and oboist Holly Gornik and guitarist Tully Cathey, who gave a smooth reading of a sonata movement Jacques Loeillet.

The Utah Chamber Artists choir, as usual, sang with accuracy, transparency and tonal beauty.

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