I can no longer remain silent after reading Jon Ringwood's latest "half-baked" attempt at responsible journalism - namely the review of the concert offered by the Utah Chamber Artists at Abravanel Hall on Feb. 29.
His lack of accuracy and even understanding in describing the night's events are not only embarrassing but slanderous to one of the finest arts organizations in the valley. The Utah Chamber Artists consistently performs some of the greatest and most challenging classical choral works ever composed - pieces that are obviously above the musical grasp of Jon Ringwood.A responsible critic should not only understand the types of musical pieces being performed (e.g. Johanessen's introductory pieces were bagatelles, not an "overture," and most certainly not a "variation on three themes"), but he should also familiarize himself with the pieces themselves. Maybe if Ringwood had at least studied the concert notes and the German and English translations provided, he might have appreciated the content and form of the Brahms pieces performed.
A responsible and informed critic may have also studied the musical scores. Finally, a response to his miscellaneous comments about Bradford's conducting style or his descriptions of the orchestra and its interaction with the chorus fall outside the brevity restrictions of this forum.
It is ironic that a group that has garnered national and international attention is maligned locally. I call upon the Deseret News to remove Ringwood from his position as musical critic.
Kevin Rasmussen
Salt Lake City