A SPRING GARLAND OF SONG, featuring women's singing groups from the Wasatch area; Wednesday, March 8, Woods Cross High School. One performance only.The annual Spring Garland of Song, which seems to grow more ambitious each year, was staged at Woods Cross High this time around. And the latest edition of the event featured eight -- count 'em -- women's choruses from various cities along the Wasatch Front. And though the groups themselves tended to look rather homogenous, the music they brought along featured spice and variety -- with selections ranging from the hillbilly fun of "O Susannah" by Brigham City's Hills of Home Women's Ensemble to the lovely "Psalm 23" by Viva Voce!, sponsor of the concert.
There were many high points in many styles.
As for the "show-stopper," that honor would likely go to the sassy and slick "Climbing Over Rocky Mountain," a Gilbert and Sullivan tune, by the Mountain Ridge Junior High chorus, though the odd and engaging boogie-woogie version of the Elizabeth Barrett Browning poem "How Do I Love Thee" from the BYU Women's Chorus would be a close second.
Several ethnic songs were offered, including "Nigra Sum" by the Murray High School Bel Canto chorus and "Salagadou" from the Jordan High Chamber Choir.
The Woods Cross Ladies Ensemble and Madrigal Women -- with a "homecourt" advantage and the majority of fans present -- showed some flair in "My Heart's in the Highlands" and "Ave Marie" respectively. The David MacIntyre arrangement of "Ave Marie," in fact, seems to have struck a chord with several local women's groups.
It was also my own personal favorite of the night.
But then many strong religious numbers -- most notably John Rutter's "Christ the Lord is Risen" from the BYU group, "O Lord, How Excellent Thy Name" from the Hills of Home group and several psalms from the others -- seemed very fitting for Ash Wednesday and the beginning of the Easter season. Local choruses -- male and female -- tend to shine in spiritual numbers.
Groups shuffled on and off the stage quickly and efficiently -- always a plus -- and though a few bugs filled the microphone at times, the interruptions were minimal.
The fact the concert was also a competition helped keep the performers focused and alert.
In all, not only a grand night for singing but a grand night for listening.
One hopes future springs will bring many more such Garlands.