October 13, 2006
For Immediate Release
For more information:
Marden Pond
(801) 375-1375
UVSC Professor’s Composition to Premiere at Provo Tabernacle
“Fresh Courage Take,” a newly commissioned orchestral and choral work composed by UVSC professor Marden Pond, will premiere in Utah County Friday, Oct. 27 at 7 p.m. in the Provo Tabernacle.
Pond’s work commemorates the sesquicentennial of the Martin and Willie Handcart Companies. Moved by the feelings and stories he had heard on several trips to Martin’s Cove, Wyo., Pond began exploring the idea to compose a piece about the handcart companies. The Sons of the Utah Pioneers expressed interest in his research, and agreed to commission the work.
“While some historians look on the experiences of these handcart companies as a tragedy, the spiritual nature of their ordeal was a great blessing and a faith-strengthening opportunity,” said Pond. “Their experience teaches us to strengthen our commitment in spite of adversity and sacrifice, to endure to the end even under extreme hardships and to seek opportunities to serve our fellow beings through focused and meaningful service.”
The work will be performed by the UVSC Symphony Orchestra and A Cappella choir, and will be conducted by Dr. Pond himself. The narration, which comes from journals, personal writings and biographies of members of the handcart companies and their rescuers, will be performed by local theatrical personalities and historical specialists. “Fresh Courage Take” is approximately one hour long and consists of eight separate movements.
Dr. Pond has composed works for many other groups in and around Utah, has had his works recorded on eighteen albums and has received numerous awards and accolades. He has taught music, dance, humanities and distance education courses at UVSC for 19 years.
The event is free and open to the public. The Provo Tabernacle is located at 100 South University Avenue. The Salt Lake premiere of this work will take place Nov. 3 at 7 p.m. in the Bountiful Regional Center, 835 N. 400 East, North Salt Lake.
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College Marketing Contact:
Megan Laurie
(801) 863-7149
Written By:
Valerie Chapman
(801) 863-8504
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