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Thank you for coming to today’s performance and embracing the new with us. Just as Dvorak’s Symphony No. 9 ventured into the sounds and spirituals of the New World, el trío romántico Tres Souls offers us all a nuevo take on cherished boleros. BYU’s World of Dance showcases new young talent, where students from one of the finest performing arts programs in the country entertain us with their incredible abilities. At The Monarch, you’re joining us for a new kind of experience. Gabriel Royal’s innovative performance combined with the venue’s unique vibe will change your perception of live performance in Ogden.
Whether you’re a new audience member or a longtime attendee, I hope tonight’s performance brings something new and meaningful to your life. I also hope to see you again soon. With 31 performances on our calendar, there’s something for every taste this year. Discover more by visiting us online at OnstageOgden.Org.
Certainly, if you’re a subscriber, you’re already familiar with all the great shows we have in store. For those who have subscribed or generously supported Onstage Ogden with a donation this season, thank you for investing in exceptional performances within your very own community. If you’re considering a subscription, you’re not too late. In fact, tonight’s performance counts as one of the remaining four shows you can choose to complete your subscription package. Contact our office and enjoy a 15% discount on your remaining season purchases.
Thanks again for being here to kick off the new, 2023/2024 concert season and for your ongoing support of Onstage Ogden. We hope to see you at the theater again soon.
James Fredrick Executive Director,
Onstage Ogden
ONSTAGE OGDEN
In 1949, Beverly Lund and Ginny Mathei decided they wanted to add even more culture to Weber County. So, for the small fee of $400, they brought the Utah Symphony to Ogden for a single performance. Three hundred people attended the concert.
This 1949 concert was a big success, so the women decided to present even more concerts in Ogden. They organized a committee within the Welfare League (later the Junior League) to raise funds for the Symphony Concerts. Then, in 1957, this committee reformed and incorporated as the Ogden Guild. After a few more name changes and the addition of Ballet West performances in 1982, the organization became the Ogden Symphony Ballet Association.
Under the direction of numerous board members and long-serving Executive Directors like Jean Pell (27 years), and Sharon Macfarlane (14 years), Onstage Ogden has expanded our programming to include internationally renowned classical dance, vocal, and chamber music. Since our inception, we have presented over 800 performances to tens of thousands of Utahns.
In addition, Onstage Ogden actively works to engage and educate younger patrons. For example, our Youth Guild has provided generations of high school students with opportunities to serve. We also offer a variety of education classes, from Masterworks Music Detectives to Music and Dance Explorers. And we are partnering with several local community organizations to expand these programs to reach even more children and students. Onstage Ogden is proud to celebrate over 70 years sponsoring only the finest music and dance in the Greater Ogden area. We believe the arts have the power to inspire and uplift, and we are firmly committed to providing everyone in our community with greater access to the arts.
Mills Publishing, Inc.
Dan Miller, President; Cynthia Bell Snow, Office Administrator; Jackie Medina, Art Director; Ken Magleby, Graphic Design; Patrick Witmer, Graphic Design/Web Developer; Paula Bell, Dan Miller Advertising Representatives
Onstage Ogden is published by Mills Publishing, Inc., 772 East 3300 South, Suite 200, Salt Lake City, Utah 84106 Phone: 801.467.8833 Email: advertising@millspub.com Website: millspub.com Mills Publishing produces playbills for many performing arts groups. Advertisers do not necessarily agree or disagree with content or views expressed on stage. Please contact us for playbill advertising opportunities. Copyright 2023.
Wendy Roberts At-Large Member, Executive Committee
Deborah Uman
Taylor Knuth
Kate Holbrook Clark
Daniele Bendinelli
John Fromer
Rosemary Lesser
Russ King
Ex-Officio Member Onstage Ogden Foundation
FOUNDATION
Russel King Chair
Meg Naisbitt Vice Chair
Marti M. Clayson Secretary
STAFF
James Fredrick Executive Director
Andrew Barrett Watson Outreach & Events Manager
Sarah Lorna Bailey Development Coordinator
Dotty Steimke Treasurer
Michael S. Malmborg Dr. Judith Mitchell
Carolyn N. Rasmussen
Sherm Smith
Nikki Thon
Camille Washington Marketing & Box Office Manager
Avery Franklin
Audience Engagement & Administrative Coordinator
2023–24 SEASON
Preservation Hall Jazz Band
July 25, 2023 at 7:30PM
Dvořák’s New World Symphony
Sept. 14 at 7:30PM
Tres Souls
Sept. 15, 2023 at 7:30PM
BYU World of Dance
Sept. 23, 2023 at 2:00PM & 7:30PM
Gabriel Royal Sept. 27, 2023 at 7:30PM
Twisted Pine
Oct. 12, 2023 at 7:30PM
Puddles Pity Party
Oct. 20, 2023 at 7:30PM
Cirque Mechanics: Zephyr Oct. 21, 2023 at 2:00PM & 7:30PM
Beethoven’s Symphony No. 9 Nov. 2 at 7:30PM
Audra McDonald
Nov. 9, 2023 at 7:30PM
Scott Bradlee’s Postmodern Jukebox
Nov. 19, 2023 at 7:30PM
Ballet West’s The Nutcracker
Dec. 1, 2023 at 7:00PM
Dec. 2, 2023 at 2:00PM & 7:00PM Dec. 3, 2023 at 2:00PM
Here Comes Santa Claus Dec. 12, 2023 at 7:00PM
Potted Potter
Jan. 18, 2024 at 7:30PM Jan. 19, 2024 at 7:30PM
Prokofiev’s Violin Concerto No. 1 Feb. 1, 2024 at 7:30PM
BYU Men’s and Women’s Choruses Feb. 3, 2024 at 7:30PM
Casablanca in Concert
Feb. 8, 2024 at 7:30PM
International Guitar Night Feb. 15, 2024 at 7:30PM
Jazz at Lincoln Center Feb. 17, 2024 at 7:30PM
Lone Piñon Mar. 1, 2024 at 7:30PM
Peter & the Wolf Mar. 14, 2024 at 7:00PM
Chad Lawson Mar. 23, 2024 at 7:30PM
The 5 Browns Apr. 19, 2024 at 7:30PM
Anderson & Roe May 2, 2024 at 7:30PM
The Onstage Ogden’s 2023–2024 season is funded in part by grants from the National Endowment for the Arts, the Utah Division of Arts and Museums, Weber County Recreation, Arts, Museums, and Parks (RAMP) program, and Ogden City Arts.
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UTAH SYMPHONY
Dvořák’s NEW WORLD SYMPHONY
September 14, 2023 / 7:30PM
BROWNING CENTER AT WSU
Ludovic Morlot, conductor
Aubree Oliverson, violin
Utah Symphony
DVOŘÁK
BARBER RAVEL Symphony No. 9 “From the New World”
Violin Concerto
Boléro
SEASON SPONSOR CONCERT SPONSORS
ARTISTS’ PROFILES
Ludovic Morlot’s élan, elegance and intensity on stage have endeared him to audiences and orchestras worldwide, from the Berliner Philharmonic to the Boston Symphony. He was appointed Music Director of the Barcelona Symphony Orchestra in September 2021. He was Music Director of the Seattle Symphony (2011–2019), now Conductor Emeritus, and whilst there pushed the boundaries of traditional concert programming, winning several Grammys. He has been Associate Artist of the BBC Philharmonic Orchestra since 2019. He was Artistic Director and a founding member of the National Youth Orchestra of China 2017–2021, conducting their inaugural concerts at Carnegie Hall and in China in 2017, and touring with them to Europe in 2019. From 2012–2014 he was Chief Conductor of La Monnaie, conducting new productions in Brussels and at the Aix Easter Festival—including La Clemenza di Tito, Jenufa and Pelléas et Mélisande.
In demand as a concerto soloist, recent and forthcoming highlights for Aubree Oliverson include performances with the San Diego Symphony, Utah Symphony, Puerto Rico Symphony, Pacific Symphony, Columbus and Des Moines Symphonies, New Haven Symphony, Roma Tre Orchestra, Brno Philharmonic, and the Pasadena Symphony, in works by Bach, Mendelssohn, Bruch, Haydn, Saint-Saens, Dvorak and Barber. In 2021, she joined the Louisiana Philharmonic for a two-week residency during which she performed Beethoven’s Violin Concerto as well as chamber music.
In recital, having made her Carnegie Hall Weill Hall recital debut at age twelve, she has gone to perform to sold out audiences at the Grand Teton Music Festival, SOKA Performing Arts Centre, and the SCERA Centre for the Performing Arts, and has upcoming recitals in Rome, Los Angeles, and in Ridgecrest, California as part of Midori’s Partners in Performance Recital Series. She has featured on NPR’s From The Top numerous times.
LUDOVIC MORLOT
Conductor
AUBREE OLIVERSON
Violin
HISTORY OF THE MUSIC
Symphony No. 9 in E Minor, op. 95 (“From the New World”)
Duration: 40 minutes in four movements.
THE COMPOSER—ANTONÍN DVOŘÁK (1841–1904)—In the last years of the 1890, Dvořák again began to look beyond Prague and entertain lucrative offers from abroad. There were trips to Moscow and St. Petersburg on the invitation of Tchaikovsky and a visit to England in 1890 for concerts and honorary degrees. One year later, Dvořák was offered a position at the National Conservatory of Music in New York. America was country already greatly enamored of his music and the Conservatory leaders were intensely interested in his nationalistic voice as an artist. In a country without its own established musical identity, his example could have a powerful effect. Dvořák was fully aware of this hope and took the desires of his hosts quite seriously.
THE HISTORY—Two months after his arrival in the States, Dvořák wrote to a friend, “The Americans expect great things from me,” adding, “I am to show them a way into…the realm of a new, independent art.” Hardly daunted, he was inspired by their faith in him and immediately sought out samples of American folk idioms. Dvořák found a wealth of possibility in the spirituals of the African American tradition as well as the culture of the continent’s Native people. He believed the future of American music to be dependent on these two sources, that they were a “product of the soil” and that young composers should turn always to them if they wished to “express the true sentiment of [their] people.” The
By Jeff Counts
heartfelt Symphony No. 9 (1893) grew out of this fascination and created a representation of the “New World” that hardly seemed possible from the pen of a guest, even a pen as talented as Dvořák’s. Many of the themes in the symphony appeared to be direct folk quotations but Dvořák was insistent that he crafted them from scratch, using his deep study of our indigenous melodies as a guide. His distillations of our heritage were so natural that, even today with the benefit of research and scholarship, this can be difficult to accept. The finest example of this disbelief comes from the Symphony’s famous Largo movement and the music we now know familiarly as “Goin’ Home.” Though it is easy to imagine this as a pre-existing Negro Spiritual, Dvořák did create it from whole cloth, and the words were added later by William Arms Fisher. Whatever the provenance of this and other “source” material, Dvořák gifted America with a masterpiece, one that delighted in the charms of our nation and celebrated its unique musical soul. That our own composers would, over the ensuing half century, ignore his advice in favor of larger European trends and fashions, was not the fault of this humble and earnest Czech visitor.
THE WORLD—Elsewhere in 1893, the World’s Fair was held in Chicago, the first ever vehicle license plates were issued in Paris, the Hawaiian monarchy fell and Oscar Wilde’s controversial play Salome was published.
THE
CONNECTION—The last Utah Symphony performance of the very popular “New World” Symphony was in March, 2019. Music Director Emeritus Thierry Fischer was on the podium.
HISTORY OF THE MUSIC
Violin Concerto, op. 14
Duration: 25 minutes in three movements.
THE COMPOSER—SAMUEL BARBER (19101981)—Barber is more beloved today than he was during his compositional heyday in the 1930s, ‘40s and ‘50s. It happens to many composers who are either ahead of or behind their time. Barber won two Pulitzer Prizes and earned commissions from prestigious soloists and orchestras, but his output was judged by many as hopelessly antique and out of touch. His lyrical, neoRomantic voice stood at odds with the strong currents of contemporary European experimentalism at work on the American scene at the time. Ironically, many of the scores Barber produced during this period have had a longer life than any of the more adventurous works they were judged against.
THE HISTORY—First among these enduring contributions to the “American” sound was the Violin Concerto. It was commissioned by the wealthy soap magnate (yes, soap) Samuel Fels for the young Russian-born violinist Iso Briselli. Barber began writing the music in Switzerland and continued work in Paris before being forced to rush home ahead of the coming war in 1939. The “story” of this concerto did not become less interesting when it reached American soil. Accounts as to why vary predictably, but the fact remains that Briselli declined to perform the premiere in 1941. The infamous debate between composer and dedicatee centered on the concerto’s daredevil third movement. Some (Barber’s first biographer
12 / OnstageOgden.org
Nathan Broder, notably) say that Briselli told Barber the movement was unplayable while others assert that Briselli said he objected to it as unworthy of the of the concerto’s first two movements. Current scholarship bolsters the word of the soloist and, while nobody can irrefutably confirm what he did or didn’t say to the composer in private, it holds up that his objections were artistic rather than technical. In fact, it makes sense for two clear reasons. One, the finale was in fact “playable,” as Albert Spalding soon proved at the 1941 premiere. And two, most importantly, the frantic third movement does stand apart from the more poetic first two, giving the concerto a bit of an ambivalent temperament. Regardless, Barber was unwilling to change the ending, and Briselli gave up his performance rights. The celebrated violinist never changed his mind about the piece and, even when public opinion about the music eventually left him in the cold, he avoided playing it for the duration of his long life. Final analysis: who cares? Once the magical opening theme of the opening movement unfolds, all sins—real and imagined, once and future—are forgiven.
THE WORLD—Elsewhere in 1941, the world was at war (though America did not officially engage until that December), polyester fiber was invented in Britain, Germany abandoned “Blackletter” (Gothic) script in favor of Roman and James Joyce passed away.
THE CONNECTION—Utah Symphony last performed Barber’s Violin Concerto during the 2016–17 season. Jun Märkl was on the podium and Karen Gomyo appeared as soloist.
HISTORY OF THE MUSIC
Boléro
Duration: 13 minutes.
THE COMPOSER—MAURICE RAVEL (18751937)—Ravel did quite a bit of touring in 1920s and 1930s. The successes he enjoyed on the road made a very good impression at home even though, as always, he maintained a cool indifference to the evolving critical opinion of his countrymen. He visited Britain, two countries in Scandinavia, Spain, Italy and Austria. One of his most productive trips was a four-month swing through America and Canada in 1928. In addition to visiting Niagara Falls, peering into the Grand Canyon and meeting Douglas Fairbanks (which whom he reportedly conversed in French), Ravel’s itinerary included several highly visible interviews and lecture appearances where he was particularly keen to discuss his fascination with American jazz and the blues.
THE HISTORY—Like Stravinsky, Ravel was commissioned in 1928 by the dancer/ impresario Ida Rubenstein to compose a work for her new ballet company. Rubenstein had performed to great acclaim (despite her unorthodox, self-taught style) in Diaghilev’s Ballet Russes before deciding that, with her vast inherited wealth and natural skills as a promoter, she should start her own troupe. For Ravel’s commission, Rubenstein was specifically interested in music with a “Spanish” flair. The composer was no stranger to this kind of sound, having been born to a Basque mother, but he proposed an orchestration of several sections of Isaac Albéniz’s Iberia instead of an original piece. Unfortunately (for him, not us), the rights to the Albéniz score
had already been claimed, which left Ravel with a bit of a problem. He now had to create a ballet movement from scratch and, with Rubenstein’s deadline approaching, he hadn’t left himself enough time to do it. The brilliant solution Ravel devised to solve this dilemma yielded one of symphonic music’s greatest hits. A single beguiling theme is introduced in its purest form and then simply repeated in one increasingly ingenious 13-minute crescendo. There has never been anything quite like it, before or since, and only the last seconds hint at the possibility of a harrowing undercurrent to this monotone masterpiece. It is impossible to know for sure whether composers, when they complete a new score, know that they have struck public gold. Most of them feign surprise or even frustration with their most famous creations. Ravel, for his part, was ambivalent about the popularity, but clear about his intentions. “[Boléro] constitutes an experiment in a very special and limited direction and should not be suspected of aiming at achieving anything other or more than it actually does,” he wrote, “I have carried out exactly what I intended, and it is for the listener to take it or leave it.” There’s that indifference again.
THE WORLD—Elsewhere in 1928, the Winter Olympic Games were held in St. Moritz with the Summer Games in Amsterdam, the first radio broadcast of the controversial nightly serial Amos ‘n’ Andy aired and .
THE CONNECTION—Boléro has performed often by the Utah Symphony on various concerts. The most recent Masterworks presentation was in December 2018 under Jun Märkl.
UTAH SYMPHONY
Benjamin Manis
Associate Conductor
Barlow Bradford
Symphony Chorus Director
VIOLIN*
Madeline Adkins
Concertmaster
The Jon M. & Karen Huntsman Chair, in honor of Wendell J. & Belva B. Ashton
For the last decade Rocio Mendoza, Roberto Carlos, and Jesus Martinez have serenaded audiences in LA and beyond, with their own interpretations of a genre called “Bolero.” They relive the vintage sounds and songs of the 1940s–1960s, stylized during the Golden Era of Mexican Cinema. “Through their expert musicianship and swooning vocals Tres Souls enchants audiences and transports them to a more romantic time.” (The Music Center)
Each member of the trio is an accomplished musician, and each inherited the knowledge and importance of Mexican heritage music through their family and generations before them. In their own way Tres Souls are following in the footsteps of other “Trio Romanticos”, like Eydie Gorme Y Los Panchos, Los Tres Reyes and Los Tres Ases, while interspersing musical influences that can be heard echoing throughout the diaspora of Los Angeles.
Tres Souls perform around the greater Los Angeles area. Their past performances include: opening act for Omara Portuondo, The Broad Stage’s original cultural educational musical called, “Musical Explorers,” AirBnB Open Spotlight, MOLAA Summer Concerts, Metro Arts Presents at Union Station, Rosenthal Theater, Casa 0101, KPFK and KXLU in studio performance, Hawaii’s 2nd Annual Barrio Café’s Sabor Fest, Walt Disney Studios for the premier of ‘Coco’ the movie, the Music Center 59th Annual Holiday Celebration, and most recently a sold out show at THE FORD theater in Hollywood CA.
TRES SOULS
BYU WORLD OF DANCE
September 23, 2023 at 2:00PM & 7:30PM
BROWNING CENTER AT WSU
FOOTLOOSE
NEW ZEALAND: KAPA HAKA AOTEAROA
DYING SWAN
FROM THE EARTH
POLAND: OBEREK
WALTZ WITH ME
NATIVE AMERICAN: FANCY MEDLEY
KING LEAR-A SHAKESPEAREAN TRAGEDY
UNITED STATES: CHARLESTON DUST TO DIVINE
STRING QUARTET NO. 3 “MISHIMA” I LOVE ME
EPICS MEDLEY
DON QUIXOTE: ALLEGRETTO INDIA: GANESHA
BOLIVIA: CAPORALES
SOMEBODY TO LOVE
FINALE
WELCOME TO WORLD OF DANCE
On behalf of the Department of Dance at BYU, I welcome you to the 55th annual World of Dance concert and the final performance in the historic de Jong Concert Hall. Students who are members of our premier performing companies, Theatre Ballet, Ballroom Dance Company, Contemporary Dance Theatre, International Folk Dance Ensemble, Living Legends and Young Ambassadors have returned early to campus to prepare for this one-of-a-kind concert.
With nearly 4,000 enrollments in dance classes each year the College of Fine Arts and Communications is home to the most versatile department of dance in the United States. Students enjoy opportunities to learn and experience ballet, ballroom, contemporary, cultural dance and music dance theater. Degreeseeking students have opportunities to graduate with a Bachelor of Arts, a Bachelor of Arts in Dance Education, or a Bachelor of Fine Arts. Our department mission statement affirms our belief that dance is divine as we strive to integrate body, mind and spirit through performance, choreography, teaching and scholarship.
Thank you for sharing this moment with us – get ready for a great show!!
Curt Holman Chair, BYU Department of Dance
SHOW LINE-UP
FOOTLOOSE
Young Ambassadors
Choreographers: Adam Dyer - restaged by Caler Tregeagle
Music & Lyrics: Tom Snow, Jim Steinman, Dean Pitchford & Kenny Loggins
NEW ZEALAND: KAPA HAKA AOTEAROA
Living Legends
Choreography: Teancum Kaitoku, Noelani
Apelu, Lea Taylor, Tallin Kaitoku
Music: “Falealili Uma” (traditional, live), Traditional Drums, “Saleutogi e (Vi’i O Solosolo)” by Mr Tee
DYING SWAN
Theatre Ballet
Choreography: Mikhail Fokine
Music: Camille Saint-Saëns
Pianist: Amalie Simper
Cellist: Nathan Cox
FROM THE EARTH
Contemporary Dance Theatre
Choreography: Brayden Singley
Music: “Kastilla” by Tractor’s Revenge
POLAND: OBEREK
International Folk Dance Ensemble
Choreography: Jeanette Geslison
WALTZ WITH ME
Ballroom Dance Company
Choreography: Curt Holman
Music: “Waltz with me under the sun” by Kristina Train
NATIVE AMERICAN: FANCY MEDLEY
Living Legends
Choreography: Melia Losik, Kelina
Anderson, Kawai Lucio, Hunter Sagapolutele
Music: “Suplex” by The Halluci Nation
KING LEAR-A SHAKESPEAREAN TRAGEDY
Contemporary Dance Theatre
Choreography: Keely Song & Jeffery Bloom
Music: Jetta-I’d Love to Change the World (Matstubs Remix) by BakadiMusic
Choreography: restaged by Brooke Storheim, after the manner of Marius Petipa
Music: Léon Minkus
INDIA: GANESHA
International Folk Dance Ensemble
Choreography: Vaishali Sagar
Music: Traditional; performed by Asfak Khawra (dhol) & Samir Langa (singer); recorded by Nitin Wadekar
BOLIVIA: CAPORALES
Living Legends
Choreography: Gabriela Grajeda
Music: La Fiesta de San Benito by Inti Illimani, La Saya by Tupay, & Soy Caporal by Tupay
SOMEBODY TO LOVE (competitive Latin Medley)
Ballroom Dance Company
Choreography: Andre & Natalie Paramonov
Music: Selections from Contemporary popular artists
FINALE
World of Dance Company
Choreography: Nathan Balser
Music: Footloose by Tom Snow, Jim Steinman, Dean Pitchford & Kenny Loggins
BALLROOM DANCE COMPANY
Artistic Director: Curt Holman
BYU Ballroom Dance Company presents ballroom dance in a theatrical environment with a contemporary point of view. Its innovative choreography is compelling, engaging, and just plain fun! Audiences will enjoy couples dancing a romantic waltz and will feel the energy as the company moves to the infectious rhythms of Latin America. The company holds United States and British Ballroom Dance Formation Championship titles. Their ever-increasing popularity results in a demanding concert schedule throughout the United States and the world. Since its inception in 1970, the BYU Ballroom Dance Company has performed for millions of people in over 35 countries, including a command performance for the queen of Thailand. The company continues to flourish under the direction of Curt Holman. Their distinctive style and artistic vision keeps BYU’s ballroom program at the forefront of ballroom dance in America. The president of the National Dance Council of America, Brian McDonald, calls the BYU Ballroom Dance Company “one of the ballroom world’s greatest treasures.”
Ballroom Dance Company: Rhythm October 18–20, Dance Performance Theatre, BYU
Ballroom in Concert April 12–13, Marriott Center, BYU
Ballroom Dance Company 2023–2024
Nina Adams
Adam Benson
Jacob Benson
Summer Benson
Sabrina Bezzant
Mina Brunson
Ashlyn Burnside
Kendall Christensen
Paris Christensen
Savannah Espiritu
Talan Fisher
Jiaxin Haslam
Tyran Heaton
Noah Horlacher
Savanah Huston
Brennan Hutchison
Hannah Hutchison
Wyatt Jennings
Brandon Keck
Serena Keck
James Lear
Jack Leonard
Kennidy McComber
Kelly Miles
Caroline Money
Michael Morgan
Jacee Petersen
Jaxon Phillips
Garrett Shippen
Katey Stolle
Sawyer Stolle
Moroni Wright
CONTEMPORARY DANCE THEATRE
Artistic Director: Keely Song
Contemporary Dance Theatre (CDT) presents dance that is innovative, accessible and enriching. Since 1975, students have toured throughout the world teaching, performing and connecting through movement. The company performs dance works created by master choreographers that range in style and intention. Some of these notable choreographers include Peter Chu, FLOCK Works, Jesse Obremski, Ihsan Rustem, Martha Graham, and Alwin Nikolais. CDT has made an international mark performing these works touring India, Africa, Europe, Asia and Australia. The company’s mission is to enhance the student performers’ lives while sharing good will with the world through collaboration and artistic exchanges.
This November BYU Contemporary Dance Theatre presents See Better Lear, a movement-based investigation into the demise and death of King Lear and his progenitors. In a time where words weigh more than action and sight makes one blind to the truth, we reclaim that physical actions hold the motives, truths, sensations, and redemption of not only Lear but us all. (Suggested for ages 12+ for death, tragedy, absurdity, confusing motives, and abstract storyline).
Contemporary Dance Theatre in Concert: See Better Lear November 16–18, Dance Performance Theatre, BYU
Contemporary Dance in Concert February 15–17, Dance Performance Theatre, BYU
Contemporary Dance Theatre 2023–2024
Abby Andrus
Kyla Balser
McCall Hope Brainard
Makinley Butterfield
Dominique Cordón
Mo Crump
Mia Felton
Alexa Firmage
Gia Fosson
Jewel Hatch-Killpack
Megan Haymore
Jake Hendershot
Kylee Jackman
Thomas Jenson
Ben Jessop
Alyssa Liljenquist
Aubree Remmel
Madison Rice
Cassidy Schoyer
Keli Shinsato
Bailey Smith
Lexi Stagg
Tessa Stokes
Baylee Van Patten
Kara Williams
Brinnli Wosnjuk
Spencer Waddell
INTERNATIONAL FOLK DANCE ENSEMBLE
Artistic Director: Jeanette Geslison
International Folk Dance Ensemble was established in 1956 and is celebrating their 67th year as a performing arts group. Throughout the past 67 years, the ensemble has traveled throughout the world performing traditional dances selected from a wide variety of cultures. The group continues to dazzle audiences with their vibrant costumes, diverse dance selections, and captivating performances.
In conjunction with their dance presentations, the ensemble is accompanied by the highly versatile and acclaimed acoustic band Mountain Strings These musicians provide live, engaging music that is every bit the dancers’ equal in complexity, skill, and professionalism.
Since 1964, International Folk Dance Ensemble and Mountain Strings have become internationally famous at the world’s most prominent folk dance festivals, where they perform with many of the best international dance companies. The group presents American traditional dance and music heritage, as well as representing both BYU and the U.S. as the American Folk Dance Ensemble in folk festivals.
Christmas Around the World
December 1–2, Marriott Center, BYU
International Folk Dance Ensemble: Reflections
February 7–9, Dance Performance
Theatre, BYU
International Folk Dance Ensemble 2023–2024
Tori Allen
McKenzie Bellon
Tanner Birtcher
Brielle Bowden
Tana Bybee
David Chandler
Abby Collins
Dawson Collins
Remington Comp
Nate Cox
Braden Duke
Colton Fields
Crozier Fitzgerald
Levi Hancock
Amy Hawkes
Jillian Iverson
Dallin Lyon
Jade Madison
Makeila Morgan
Matthew Peterson
Isaac Schaat
Clara Smilanick
Tori Stone
Bailey Tucker
Carly Wanlass
Janelle Wilson
Efrain Villalobos
Anthony Xanthos
LIVING LEGENDS
Artistic Director: Jamie Kalama Wood
The Living Legends have a long history of using music, dance, and storytelling to share the Native American, Polynesian, and Latin cultures. For over 50 years, Living Legends has delighted audiences in countries, nations, and tribes around the world. Most recently, the Living Legends have been seen in Aotearoa (New Zealand), Tahiti (French Polynesia) Mexico, Brazil, China, and throughout the United States.
These dancers are motivated by a sentiment expressed in our show, Storytellers:
Throughout time, we have told stories.
Stories to celebrate life and rejoice in discovery.
Stories of light and strength in times of darkness, of the Earth and all of her creatures
But these stories only live and breathe when we share them
Listen
We find great joy in sharing our stories and cultures with you.
Living Legends 2023–2024
Kelina Anderson
Isabel Benjamin
Treygan Bragg
Auli’i Camacho
Paloma Castillo
Efrain Cuessy
Kui Eldredge
Celeste Escarzaga
Ivette Galvez Laparra
Piero Gongora
Kamailelani Grace
Gabriella Green
Joshua Johnson
Talling Kaitoku
Hinckley Kennach
Benjamin Lopez
Camila Losik
Melia Losik
Leina’ala Morse
Melissa Ogden
Antonio Ordaz
Tyler Pasa
Sage Purcell
Fernando Ramos
Isaac Rascon
Gabriela Ruiz
Helaman Sosi
Ryan Tsosie
Sarai Tuitele
Reihana Wilson
Living Legends in Concert: Storytellers
February 21-24, Dance Performance
Theatre, BYU
BYU BALLET
Theatre Ballet Artistic Director: Ashley Parov
Theatre Ballet Studio Company Artistic Directors: Hilary Wolfley & Brooke Storheim
BYU Theatre Ballet fosters love and appreciation for ballet, recognizing it as an artistic means of expression and communication. Striving for excellence, Theatre Ballet seeks to be a gospeloriented catalyst for students to serve, educate, and edify audiences through uplifting performances, outreach programs, and teaching opportunities. Theatre Ballet Studio Company, the second-tier and preparatory company for BYU Theatre Ballet, also provides many performing opportunities throughout the year, including mentored student choreographic processes and collaborations with Theatre Ballet.
Theatre Ballet 2023–2024
Addy Boll
Brooklyn Brown
Jared Cordova
Gordy Felesina
Kallie Hatch
Maile Johnson
Elizabeth Kaelberer
Mira Larsen
Alex Marshall
Maia Mcbride
Isabella Mudrick
Callie Nahle
Karina Olson
Colette Radstone
Isaac Sanders
Elayna Smith
Olivia Smith
Samantha Smout
Sophie Thompson
Mia Watson
Summer Wudel
Theatre Ballet Studio Company 2023–2024
Addy Boll
Brooklyn Brown
Jared Cordova
Gordy Felesina
Kallie Hatch
Maile Johnson
Elizabeth Kaelberer
Mira Larsen
Alex Marshall
Maia Mcbride
Isabella Mudrick
Callie Nahle
Karina Olson
Colette Radstone
Isaac Sanders
Elayna Smith
Olivia Smith
Samantha Smout
Sophie Thompson
Mia Watson
Summer Wudel
Masterworks Series
January 24-27, 2024, Dance Performance Theatre, BYU
Sleeping Beauty
February 28-March 2, 2024, Dance Performance Theatre, BYU
YOUNG AMBASSADORS
Artistic Director: Nathan Balser
The Young Ambassadors, Brigham Young University’s elite song and dance ensemble, shares the magic of storytelling through contemporary music, dance, and theatre. Comprised of 19 student singers, dancers, actors, as well as student stage technicians, the ensemble delivers a fastpaced showcase inspired by American Musical Theatre, Rock, and Pop music. These talented performers offer a fresh view of America’s culture and ways of life.
Young Ambassadors 2023–2024
Mariel Alexander
Justin Bawden
Bryndal Braithwaite
Luke Christensen
Bailey Dayton
DEPARTMENT OF DANCE
Department Chair: Shayla Bott
Associate Department Chairs: Amy Jex, Adam Dyer
Full Time Faculty: Nathan Balser, Elizabeth Dibble, Jeanette Geslison, Curt Holman, Keely Song Glenn, Karen Jensen, Brent
Keck, Kate Monson, Ashley Parov, Marin
Roper, Hilary Wolfley, Jamie Kalama Wood
Accountant: Ryan Biddulph
Dance Secretary: J’Lene Willes
Dance Medicine: Brenda Critchfield, Marian Dawe-Johnson
WORLD OF DANCE PRODUCTION TEAM
Production Manager: Benjamin Sanders
Technical Director: John Shurtleff
Annalise Decker
Isaac Dowdle
Riley Holmes
JRay Kuhn
Tavita Ah Loe
Gabrielle McCarter
Christian McCleary
Mikenzie Moon
Brooke Nielsen
Tanner Reeve
Johnathan Tanner
Caler Tregeagle
Kersee Whitney
Weston Wright
Young Ambassadors in Concert: Thank You for the Music
January 31–February 3,
Dance Performance Theatre, BYU
Production Stage Manager: Crysta May Lamb
Lighting Designer: Benjamin Sanders
Projection Designer: Erin Bjorn
Sound Designer: Troy Sales
Lighting Operations: Mark Ohran
Sound Operations: Troy Streeter
Stage Operations: Jared Patching
Costume Designers: Amy Handy, Dawn Maughan, Sharon Holman, Charlotte Lundell, MaryLynn Schaererr, Maryanne Thompson
Production Assistant: Jocelyn Southam
Assistant Stage Managers: Henry Young, Erica Glenn, Jocelyn Southam
Poster Designer: Katie Mecham
GABRIEL ROYAL
September 27, 2023 / 7:30PM THE MONARCH
SEASON SPONSOR
SELECTIONS TO BE ANNOUNCED FROM STAGE
CONCERT SPONSORS
LAWRENCE T. & JANET T. DEE FOUNDATION
ARTISTS’ PROFILES
In a fusion of original pop, jazz, soul and classic love songs, singer-songwriter and cellist Gabriel Royal’s inimitable voice cuts through the haze. In Heart & Soul, he shares tales of love, loss and hope in a solo performance that weaves pop, soul, jazz and classical influences. Performing on piano and cello, Royal’s engaging style is the ultimate in entertaining—balancing heartfelt moments of vulnerability with his signature sense of humor and timing.
Born and raised in Oklahoma, Royal’s live performances blend jazz, classical, pop and neo-soul in an original collection of optimistic, sometimes ironic love stories, inspired by his daily encounters with NYC commuters. Coming home on the subway with only $1 in his pocket in 2010, he noticed a busker with questionable talent had landed at least 20 times that. For the next five years, Royal lugged his instrument into the depths of the mass transit system to serenade passersby with his “adult lullabies”, all the while generating a loyal following of listeners. Influenced by Stevie Wonder, The Beatles and Burt Bacharach, Royal’s songs relive his relationships, triumphs and downfalls. He produced and released his selftitled debut album in 2016 earning raves for his soaring vocals, hum-along melodies and lush arrangements, His sophomore release, “Miss Once In A Blue Moon” expanded his repertoire and launched tours in Europe and the US. Royal is among a select number of artists combining cello and voice.
GABRIEL ROYAL
FRIENDS OF ONSTAGE OGDEN
Onstage Ogden is grateful for the individuals, corporations, foundations, and government agencies who have made a charitable contribution in support of the performing arts in our community. Includes gifts made following May 1, 2022.
Season Sponsor ($90,000+)
Weber County RAMP
Stewart Education Foundation
Series Sponsor ($20,000+)
Norman C. & Barbara L. Tanner
Charitable Support Trust
Alan & Jeanne Hall
Val A. Browning Charitable Foundation
State of Utah, Utah Division of Arts & Museums
Concert Sponsor ($10,000+)
The Franzen Family
Robert & Marcia Harris
Lawrence T. Dee & Janet T. Dee Foundation
Weber State University
Richard & Shirley Hemingway Foundation
Diamond ($5,000–$9,999)
George S. & Dolores Doré Eccles Foundation
Drs. Rosemary & David Lesser*
Marriner S. Eccles Foundation
Christina & Shaun Myers*
Sorenson Legacy Foundation
Dr. Robert Fudge & Sylvia Newman
Ogden City Arts
Beaver Creek Foundation
*Board of Directors, Foundation, or Staff member
FRIENDS OF ONSTAGE OGDEN
Platinum ($2,500–$4,999)
Better Being
Marti M. Clayson*
Marty & Carolyn Rasmussen*
Suzy Patterson
WESTAF Western States Arts Federation
Gold ($1,000–$2,499)
Geraldine & Evan Christensen
Dr. Rosemary Conover & Luckey Heath
Brent & Vicki Cox
Rick & Karen Fairbanks
William & Deborah Hackett
Dean Hurst & Kristen Hurst Hyde in memory of Glen Robertson
Dr. Val Johnson
Paul & Cindy Kunz
Michael & Sharon Lloyd
Rosmary Heath & Richard Miller
Dr. Judith Mitchell*
Meg & Mark Naisbitt*
Scott & Pam Parkinson
Harry & Becky Senekjian
Jonathan & Beverly Souder
Cirlio Franco*
John Fromer & Willis McCree*
Carolyn Rich-Denson
Glenn & Connie Wimer
Jean Vaniman*
Doug & Shelly Felt
MSL Family Foundation
Bank of Utah
Bill & Barbara Hughes
Ralph Nye Charitable Foundation
Silver ($500–$999)
Kay A. Ballif
Amber Blackhurst
Brian & Vicky Boyle
Raymond & Betty Christian
Ashley Cross
Tim & Candace Dee
Allan & Kellie Diersman
Diana & Ralph Dunkley
Donna & Ralph Friz
Kay Hoogland
Marlin & Kathleen Jensen
Russel R. & Jane T. King*
Robert & Sally Neil
Joyce & Robert Stillwell*
Dr. Deborah Uman & Mr. Michael Sanders*
Janice & Sheldon Ward
Jennifer & Dr. Michael Webb*
James & Nicole Fredrick*
David & Linda Lundstrom
Jan & Jerome Luger
Please contact Onstage Ogden Development Coordinator, Sarah Bailey, at 801.612.0757 or sarah@onstageogden.org, if you would like to make a donation, if your name has inadvertently been left off or is misspelled.
FRIENDS OF ONSTAGE OGDEN
Bronze ($100–$499)
A. George Adamson
Lyle & LaVon Allen
David Bauch
Phil & Melanee
Phil & Melanee Berger
Brenley Burton
Edwin Cannon
Brad & Lynn Carroll
Lon & Constance Castleton
Kitty Chatelain
Phillip & Gail Coleman
Ludene Dallimore
Lynn & Natalie Dearden
Darin & Deborah Deem
Carolyn B. Deru
Sherry Eckert
Steve Ericson
William & Anita Ford
Karen Gall
David & Ruth Ann Gladwell
David & Joan Hadley
Terry Hartman-Smith
Ron Harward
Kimberly & Christian Hearn
Tina & Robert Herman
Jon Higginbotham
Anthony Hirst
Carol Jackson
Paul Kriekard
Charles Lindquist
William & Sarah Lindsay
James & Deborah Lindstrom
Camille Loffredo
Debra Marin
Rand & Cynthia Mattson
Mary & Kent McMillen
Karen Miner
Roland & Amy Miller
Friends ($50–$99)
Kathleen Adams
Clyde Baker
Laura Barker
Danielle Bendinelli*
Shane DeHart
Gaye & Robert Delange
Michael & Susan Deyoung
Gloria Dixon
Randy Emery
Janice Grajek
Austin Halbritter
Ruth Nielsen
Cheryl Orme
Donald Pantone
George & Margaret Pappas
Jeff Paulson
Janet & Robert Petersen
Matt & Camille Pollard
Bobbie Ramer
Bonnie & William Rembacz
Tamara Robinette
Eileen Santella
Shane & Pamela Schvaneveldt
Denise Sly
Edward & Mari Lou Steffen
Nikki Thon*
Lucinda & Phillip Wagner
Andrew & Suzanne Wall
Bruce & Kay Wallace
Linda Watson
Paula Weick & Carl Stuart
Barbara & Gerald West
Aloha Whitney
Marilyn Woodbury
Marilyn Konieczny
Doris D’Asto
Scott & Deborah Greenwell
Amy Huntington
Ogden Chapter of MacDowell Ensemble
Pat Fuller
Aaron Clark
Edna Stratford
Marlene Barnett
Sharon Charley
Erika Martin
Sempre Musical Society in memory of Dr. Richard Mller
Dorothy & Dan Steimke*
Linda Hearn
Alisa Jenney
Rennee Bohman
Wendy & Phillip Laterza
Alice Mulder
Joan & Paul Powell
Julie Salisburry
Kim Sparkman
Georgia Torres
Dixie Vandyke
Kelly VanNoy
Larry Zaugg
Melba & Denis Kirby
James & Jennifer McGregor
Dr. Douglas Deis
Taylor Knuth*
Robert Tillotson
Greg & Caitlin Gochnour
Stephen & Judy Farr
Dr. Allen & Janis Christensen
Jeffry & Linda Burton
DeLoris & Dale Dorius
Janet & Steven Evans
Dixie Funk
Kim & Becky Hale
Frank & Sharon Markos
Michael & Cindy Palumbo
Mary & Howard Schuyler
Carol & Paul Sonntag
Keith & Marlys Sorbo
Carl & Helgard Wolfram
Sandy & Phillip Maxwell
Paul & Sandra Perkin
Joan Alf
Roger Christensen*
Cathay Christiansen
Beth Mannino
Andy & Susan Mccrady
Dr. Ann Ellis
Juergen Sass
Mary L Mathewson
Gary & Marilyn Newman
Ned & Sheila Stephens
Laurie & Greg Rives
Wendy & Cary Roberts*
Jeane Taylor
Gerald & Ann Walters
Douglas Yonemura
Jose Mathews
Mary Hargis
William & Jackie Jones
Kathryn MacKay
Claude & Barbara Nix
Julie & Stephen Coley
Josh Grimaud
John Dobson & Kathryn Philpot
Please contact Onstage Ogden Development Coordinator, Sarah Bailey, at 801.612.0757 or sarah@onstageogden.org, if you would like to make a donation, if your name has inadvertently been left off or is misspelled.
