Bruce Marks, former artistic director for Ballet West, first moved to Salt Lake City in 1976.
During that time, the United States was celebrating the Bicentennial, and Marks wanted to create a work that featured Western imagery and also paid homage to his new home.
That's one of the reasons he created "Songs of the Valley."
The second reason was Aaron Copland's epic work called "Old American Songs."
"As soon as I heard them, I thought, 'I've got an entire ballet here,' " said Marks, who was in Salt Lake City to oversee his former company restage the production. "I've got 'Crossing the Plains.' I have 'Coming to Zion, the hymn 'Zion's Walls.'
"It just seemed perfect," Marks said. "I was able to arrange the music in a way that there are serious and comedic songs, and something for children — especially (the work) 'Bought Me a Cat,' which my children still talk about.
"It behooved me to pay tribute to the background of my new home," he said. "That's why I did 'Songs of the Valley.' "
Ballet West will perform "Songs of the Valley," as well as Sir Frederick Ashton's "The Dream" and Ben Stevenson's "Three Preludes" at the Capitol Theatre beginning Oct. 30.
When Ballet West first performed "Songs of the Valley" at Kingsbury Hall, a chorus and a baritone were used.
"The chorus was in the running loge in the audience," Marks remembered. "Which I thought was really wonderful."
Because of the configuration of the Capitol Theatre, the ballet will feature only a baritone and an orchestra, Marks said. "It has, however, been done on tour with just baritone and piano."
Kurt Bestor, who will guest conduct the Utah Chamber Orchestra during "Songs of the Valley," said Copland was a major influence in his life.
"I grew up emulating him, and he is a big influence in my film scoring," said Bestor before a rehearsal. "I've know these songs for many, many years, and I wasn't aware that they'd been done here with Ballet West all those years ago."
Bestor said the concept of this work "made sense when he was asked to conduct."
"You have American song, American choreographer talking about Zion for heaven's sakes, and being done by the West's ballet," he said. "And here's a local boy conducting it. So it seems right."
The challenge of conducting is finding a balance between the music and the action on stage, he said.
"There's always this chicken/egg thing," he said. "The worst thing to do as a conductor of ballet is to try to follow, because then you end up slowing down.
"And it's only a little bit better to lead and push. So, hopefully it's just perfectly in sync and we're all in the same vehicle riding it. If they are up on their toes, I have to feel it, and I have to feel them fall."
Bestor has worked with Ballet West previously, back in the mid 1980s, he said. "I played piano and nodded my head a long time ago when I worked with (former principal) Raymond van Mason on a work called 'Seasons,' which was from a CD I had out at the time."
This time around, Bestor was asked to conduct by Ballet West's executive director Johann Jacobs.
"My wife and I are good friends with Johann, and he just said, 'Kurt, conduct — Ballet West, Aaron Copland,' and I said, 'Yes,' " said Bestor. "And later I realized what time of year it was."
It's the worst time of the year for Bestor because he is usually writing new music for his holiday concerts.
But, he said, "I couldn't pass it up."
Marks said the last time Ballet West performed "Songs in the Valley" was some 25 years ago.
"So this is wonderful," he said.
He also said "Songs of the Valley" is not a typical ballet.
"It owes a lot to two people I worked with — (late choreographers/dancers) Agnes de Mille and Eugene Loring," Marks said. "It owes a lot to them and owes a lot to Copland himself."
Marks said the dancers today are stronger and taller.
"When I joined American Ballet Theatre (before moving to Salt Lake City), there weren't five men who could do a double turn in the air," he said. "And now, every guy in the company can do a double turn.
"The level's gone up so much but, of course, as is the case, (Ballet West) is much taller than the one I knew when I arrived here 33 years ago.
"These are taller, longer people. So when we get to 'Ching-a-Ring Chaw,' it's fast. They've got to move those taller bodies."
Reflecting on the overall tone of "Songs of the Valley," Marks said it was made during a more innocent time.
"I just wonder if it is maybe a little naive and simple," he said. "It's not hip-hop, and it's very direct, in the sense that it's not psychologically complicated. But I think it has a sweetness to it. I think it has meaning for people today, especially in this community, where traditional values are so important.
"It's such a contentious time, and I'm troubled by the amount of hate language that's out there. And this is the antithesis."
e-mail: scott@desnews.com
If you go …
What: "The Dream," "Three Preludes," "Songs of the Valley," Ballet West
Where: Capitol Theatre, 50 W. 200 South
When: Oct. 30-31, Nov. 4-7, 7:30 p.m.; Nov. 7, 2 p.m.
How much: $17-$71
Phone: 801-355-2787, 888-451-2787
Web: www.arttix.org