There is going to be a tremendous change with the Utah Symphony Chorus after next weekend's concert with the Utah Symphony. Longtime music director Ed Thompson has decided to retire from the chorus at the end of the month, at the same time that he is retiring from teaching at the University of Utah.
"It seemed like a good time to do it all," Thompson said. He admits, however, that he will miss both his students and the chorus. "I've been on the faculty for over 30 years, and I was department chair for 22 years, so I have many great memories and friends. All of it's been exciting and exhilarating.
"I've always said that I've had the best job in the world, and there's no doubt that I will miss it." And with many of his students singing in the Utah Symphony Chorus, Thompson said it's even harder to say goodbye.
After next weekend's concerts, Thompson will have some free time on his hands when Tuesdays come around. Tuesday evenings are when the chorus rehearses, and Thompson will undoubtedly feel the change in his work habits more acutely then. "I can't think of a Tuesday where I haven't been really tired and thinking, how I can get through it. But then I show up, and the people are just great. I love those people in the chorus, and I can't understand what brings them out week after week."
Bennett P. Peterson knows why everyone in the chorus looks forward to rehearsals. A member of the Utah Symphony Chorus for a quarter century and its president for the past 15 years, Peterson says it's Thompson's qualities as a musician and as a human being that have made a lasting impression on the singers. "Ed has brought a wonderful combination of skill and talent to the chorus," Peterson said. "And what's equally important is that he has always been a fine gentleman. He has never been one to indulge in the negatives we call artistic temperament."
Peterson also said that Thompson's sense of humor is one of his greatest strengths. "Ed is always witty and in a good mood. He can find the humor in any situation. And that has been an endearing kind of experience for us."
For Thompson's swan song next weekend, the Utah Symphony and Chorus will perform William Walton's "Belshazzar's Feast." "What a piece to go out on," Thompson said. "It's one of the hardest pieces in the literature, because it never lets up. The Mahler Eighth we did last November is difficult, but at least there are lengthy rests for the chorus. But in this piece, you're always on. It's a joy to rehearse, but hard."
Thompson said that "Belshazzar's Feast" is a real delight for the conductor. "It's fun to conduct, because there are a lot of meter changes. It's one of those 20th century works that are easy to appreciate, but it pulls no punches." Written in 1931, Thompson said that it was advanced for its time.
Peterson agrees with Thompson. " 'Belshazzar's Feast' is a real barn burner," Peterson said. "Some of the orchestration is off the wall. One of the things that makes it so fun is the way Walton musically depicts the instruments of wood, stone and brass that are described in the text."
Speaking of "Belshazzar's Feast," Thompson has nothing but praise for the chorus, saying that it was remarkable how quickly the singers were able to learn it. "It was amazing how fast they picked it up. We had a wild December, which took its toll on us. Besides the Mahler, we did the 'Harvest Home,' Thurl Bailey and Garrison Keillor concerts. But the singers hung in there. And because of their great attitude, we were able to pull it off."
Keith Lockhart will be conducting next weekend's performances, and Thompson said he has particularly enjoyed working with him. "I like Keith because he is so demanding. Some of the members don't like it when he criticizes them, but I tell them that his criticism is positive. It shows that he really cares."
Thompson said that Lockhart's ability to work on several scores simultaneously is phenomenal. "I had a meeting with him on 'Belshazzar's Feast' while he was worrying about the Mahler Fourth and 'Death and Transfiguration' (for the Utah Symphony concerts conducted by Lockhart on March 28 and 29). He was able to switch gears, and we went through the score measure by measure, with him humming phrases and pointing things out. I was really impressed with his depth and knowledge."
After Thompson steps down, the Utah Symphony Chorus will be under the interim direction of Utah Opera chorusmaster Susanne Sheston. And even though the members of the chorus have come to terms with the fact that Thompson is retiring, it's still a bitter pill for many to swallow. "For many of us, he's the only director we've known," Peterson said. "However, we've accepted that he's leaving, and we realize we need to move on. There's still a lot of music waiting to be sung.
"We've learned a lot from Ed, and we know that we've become a better chorus because of his contribution. What we need to do now is go on to a higher level of perfection to honor him. That's what we're shooting for."
Baritone Richard Zeller will be the soloist in "Belshazzar's Feast," and Lockhart and the orchestra will also perform Ralph Vaughan Williams' Symphony No. 5.
If you go . . .
What: Utah Symphony and Chorus, Keith Lockhart conducting
Where: Abravanel Hall
When: 8 p.m., Friday and Saturday
How much: $16-$47
Phone: 355-2787 or 1-888-451-2787
Group discounts phone: 533-6683
Web: www.arttix.org
Additional concert
What: Finishing Touches dress rehearsal
Where: Abravanel Hall
When: 10 a.m. Friday
How much: $10 (includes refreshments)
E-mail: ereichel@desnews.com