Red Rock Singers share meaningful messages
By Marlo Ihler
The Red Rock Singers presents its annual spring concert “How Can I Keep from Singing?” May 19 at 7:30 p.m. at the Southern Utah Museum of Art. The concert is open to everyone over the age of six.
Having recently performed the grand work “Carmina Burana” with combined SUU choirs, orchestra, and dancers, Red Rock Singers wanted to put together a simpler, more intimate concert.
“Traditional folk songs are the basis for this concert,” said director Dr. Keith Bradshaw. “They are simple in form, yet they have expressive and meaningful messages. So many wonderful arrangements of folk songs and hymns exist.” Bradshaw chose both well-known and less-familiar pieces. It is unknown who wrote most of the original folk melodies, but many have survived for centuries, and others simply imitate the style.
Besides “How Can I Keep from Singing?” other selections include “Peace Like a River,” “Be Thou My Vision,” “That Lonesome Road,” and “Wade in de Water.”
“‘The Terrible Tale of Tom Gilligan’ is a fun one with quite the satirical story, somewhat appropriate for today’s current climate,” said Bradshaw. He also points out that “Swing Low, Sweet Chariot” is arranged like “you’ve never heard before.”
The title and theme of the concert recognizes the importance of music, its effect on individuals and society, and the necessity we all have to occasionally sing.
Tracey Bradshaw accompanies the Red Rock Singers on the piano. The group began in February 2015 and has since worked with well-known choral directors Dr. Ronald Staheli, professor emeritus of Brigham Young University, and Dr. Ryan Murphy of the Mormon Tabernacle Choir. The Red Rock Singers welcomes new members through audition. For more information, visit Facebook or email redrocksingers@gmail.com. The Southern Utah Museum of Art is located at 13 S 300 W in Cedar City.
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