A SPRING GARLAND OF SONG; Jordan High School; Hosted by Viva Voce! and the Utah Chapter of the American Choral Director's Association; Thursday, March 25; One performance only.The "Spring Garland of Song" concert at Jordan High wasn't billed as a variety show.

But that's what it was.

Six women's choral groups gave listeners a full array of styles, strengths and stage moves on Thursday night.

Pity that so few got a chance to see it.

The rhythmic versatility of Viva Voce! (under Jean Applonie) was on display early, followed by the 19th century dress, instruments and harmonies of The Cinnamon Creek Folksingers (directed by Jill DeVilbiss).

Joseph Casperson's Jordan High Chamber Choir added a lofty, chapel tone to the evening while the Northridge High Chatelaines (Nathan Wright) offered some dynamic precision and clever choreography.

After intermission, the Hills of Home Women's Ensemble (directed by Claudia Bigler and Malanie Wilcox) took the concert to new levels of maturity and depth while the BYU Women's Chorus (Cherilyn Worthen) brought things home with customary power and range.

Selecting highlights is no easy task. But here are a few:

-- Viva Voce's "Ave Maria," a David MacIntyre piece that draws its inspiration from the children who had vision of the Virgin Mary in Yugoslavia. The syncopated, childlike glee of the song stood in poignant contrast to the bombs being dropped on Yugoslavia as the choir sang.

-- "Never Grow Old" by the Cinnamon Creek Folksingers called to mind The Womenfolk, a 1960s folk group. DeVilbiss has fashioned her singers on Mormon pioneers, though beneath the Promised Valley dresses beats the heart of The Carter Family.

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-- "Mr. Sandman" by The Northridge High Chatelaines was a crowd pleaser. And the international flavor of "Ya Faraonle" from the BYU Women pushed out the musical frontier.

Accompanists were accomplished. Supporting instruments ranged from violins and bongos to exotic finger cymbals.

In the end, for the unfortunate who missed this concert, all the groups will be in concert again soon.

Watch for Viva Voce! on April 26 in Ogden, The Chatelaines in Layton on May 24, Hills of Home Ensemble on May 2 in Brigham City, The Jordan High Choir at the school May 18-19 and the BYU Women's Chorus in Provo, April 9-10.

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