Mar 20 2010
World-renowned composer brings ‘Life of Christ’ to Utah
SALT LAKE CITY — Ten years ago, an unusual concert took place in Jerusalem. The production, called “The Life of Christ,” is about the Easter story. Now, performances from the masterwork will take place in Salt Lake City.
Composer and conductor Lex de Azevedo calls this composition a continuing work in progress, a piece that has taken all his life to create.
It began as a huge international production in spectacular fashion. With the backdrop of the magnificent Tower of David, de Azevedo conducted the first part of his masterwork “Gloria,” about the birth of Christ.
One year later, he returned with “Hosanna,” which follows the last week of Christ’s ministry and culminates in his resurrection.
“This work took me nine months, five to six days a week, eight to 10 hours a day, and all my life,” de Azevedo said. “It’s a very challenging experience to make the scriptures come to life musically.”
Now 10 years later, he will bring together nationally-recognized violinist Jenny Oaks Baker and renowned tenor George Dyer as well as other musicians, soloists and the Millennium Choral Society to perform the masterpiece.
In Jerusalem, Dyer performed the role of the angel Gabriel. Then de Azevedo wrote “Hosanna” with Dyer in mind to play the role of Jesus Christ.
“It’s so wonderful for me to be able to sing this music and to feel this music and to, hopefully, be able to send the same feelings that I’m experiencing out to the listener,” Dyer said.
“My intent here is to make it live,” de Azevedo said. “You know, music is the royal art medium of emotion. Music is more powerful than words.”
“Hosanna” performances are Friday and Saturday night at 7:30 p.m. at the First Presbyterian Church at 12 C Street in downtown Salt Lake City. Tickets are available HERE.
E-mail: cmikita@ksl.com
