Salt Lake Symphony: Through A Child's Eyes

The Salt Lake Symphony has established itself has one of the great community orchestras in the country and on December 7th, they presented their Christmas concert, "Through a Child's Eyes."

Arnold's arrangement of "The Holly and the Ivy" combined many familiar carols and was a delight to the audience each time a new melody came through the texture. The orchestra, under the masterful direction of artistic director Robert Baldwin, played a exquisite rendition of "Do You Hear What I Hear?" that captivated the audience through its familiar and exotic-sounding melody. The first half was programmed well, with plenty of familiarity and variety (including a rendition of Jester Hairston's "Mary's Little Boy Child") essential to any Holiday-themed concert.

The second half was dedicated to a performance in entirety of Italian-American composer Gian Carl Menotti's "Amahl and the Night Visitors." "Amahl" tells the charming story of a young boy and his mother who are visited at night by the Three Kings on their way to deliver their gifts to the Christ child. The part of Amahl was played by young Eric Stevens. This young boy was as prepared and polished as any other musician on that stage, a truly remarkable performance. The rest of the vocal ensembles were provided by the University of Utah's Lyric Opera Ensemble. David Sauer, Tyler Oliphant and Daniel Tuutau played the Three Kings, from comedic timing to their aura of mystery, each man complimented the last, vocally and in presence; proving there is some exquisite talent in the Lyric Opera program at the University of Utah. The stand-out performance of the night belongs to Mezzo-soprano Erin McOmber playing Amahl's mother. McOmber was flawless in her singing. She had a tender genuine quality in her acting that provided depth and insight into the character rarely seen on stage truly channeling the density of the role without skipping a beat in the music.

With Dr. Robert Baldwin in front of the Salt Lake Symphony, and Larry Spell, DMA student leading the chamber orchestra for "Amahl," this concert was a delight for the holiday season for all ages. Music in Salt Lake City is alive and in good hands with these talented ensembles under the baton of such capable musicians.