Choral Arts Society of Utah presents the Gjeilo "Sunrise Mass" - A Spring Concert with Guest Conductor Brett Rasmussen

The Choral Arts Society of Utah, Sterling Poulson, Music Director, is once again partnering with the University of Utah School of Music, under the direction of Dr. Barlow Bradford, Director of Choral Activities, and the Ellen Neilson Barnes Presidential Endowed Chair for Choral Studies. Graduate students in this program are afforded the opportunity to work with our 100-voice choir in the preparation and presentation of required choral recitals.

This year’s spring concert features a recital prepared by Brett Rasmussen. The concert features the Sunrise Mass by Ola Gjeilo. Gjeilo approaches the thirty-two minute Mass for chorus and string orchestra from a spiritual perspective wanting to share universal and humanistic experiences in the realm of his music. The text comes from the Ordinary of the Mass: Kyrie – The Spheres, Gloria – Sunrise, Credo – The City, Sanctus & Agnus Dei – Identity & The Ground.  While Gjeilo set the meaning of the Latin text respectfully and observes the traditions that masses are expected to exhibit, his overall vision for the piece lies within the titles of the work, only loosely related to the meaning of the Latin.  In so doing, he reveals a structure outside of the text; a metaphysical journey from the heavens to Earth.  The concert will also feature additional exciting choral selections.

Brett Wayne Rasmussen is a doctoral student in choral conducting at the University of Utah. He holds a Master of Music degree from the same university, and a Bachelor of Arts degree in music (with a double major in psychology) from Brigham Young University. He served as Music Director of Timpanogos Chorale from 2009 to 2014. He is also the conductor of the chorus at Stadium of Fire, the annual Independence Day Celebration in Provo, Utah. Before that, he guest-conducted the Millennium Chorus in performances of Lex de Azevedo’s oratorios Hosanna and Gloria, and the patriotic program Hymn to America. One of Brett’s most cherished musical experiences was conducting the University of Utah A Cappella Choir in Leonard Bernstein’s anti-war work Chichester Psalms. Brett comes from Woodbridge, Virginia and currently resides in Salt Lake City, Utah.

Members of the Choral Arts Society of Utah volunteer their time and talents to provide quality performances, many of which benefit schools and organizations providing humanitarian services to the local area.  We wish to thank the Sorenson Legacy Foundation, our major sponsors for this event.