Days of ’47 / KUTV Pops Concert

Abravanel Hall

123 West South Temple, Salt Lake City, Utah

By Sterling S. Poulson

Cinema magic comes to Abravanel Hall July 11^th and 12^th as the Choral Arts Society of Utah teams up with Dallyn Vail Bayles and The Music School’s Lyceum Repertory Orchestra for what promises to be an incredible show.

The Choral Arts Society of Utah Master Chorale, under the baton of Sterling Poulson, continues to serve the community with several quality concerts each year.  For the past 21 years, the choir has performed around the state of Utah, in Carnegie Hall twice, and toured through Austria in 2005. Our local concerts cover a wide range of events, including singing under the stars at the Murray Park Amphitheatre for Armed Forces Day, the intimate setting of the Rose Wagner Performing Arts Center for their more classical performances, and the traditional Holiday Pops Concert benefiting the 2News Salvation Army Angel Tree Program.  Our signature concert is the Summer Pops, celebrating the Days of ’47 at Abravanel Hall.

Joining the concert this year is Utah Artist and professional actor Dallyn Bayles.  Now receiving national acclaim he grew up in the small town of Green River, Utah and was greatly influenced by his music teacher and drama teacher, Ms. Jessica J. Jenkins or (Ms. J.) as she was affectionately known.  Mr. Bayles relates this experience.   “In ninth grade, Ms. J took a group of students and members of the community to see the touring production of “Les Miserables” at the Capitol Theatre in Salt Lake City.  That was the turning point in my life.  I couldn’t believe how moved I was by the performance.  By the time the performance ended, I knew what I wanted to be when I grew up.  I wanted to do what I had just seen those actors on the stage do, and be just as good as they were at doing it.  To this day I still have that goal in mind, and I continue to reach and follow after it”.

Mr. Bayles certainly has fulfilled a portion if not his entire dream.   He performed the leading role of Enjolras across the country and in Canada in the Broadway national tour of Les Misérables.  He played the role of Feuilly in the China premiere engagement of Les Misérables at the Shanghai Grand Theatre.

As an actor in films, Mr. Bayles portrays Hyrum Smith in the feature-length film, Joseph Smith The Prophet of the Restoration, and also had roles in the popular Liken the Scripture musical film series.

Regional Theatre appearances include the role of Joseph Smith in the premiere of the pageant Nauvoo, and the lead role of Joseph in the original and several reprise casts of Savior of the World in Salt Lake City.  He also portrayed Alma Richards in Light of the World, presented during the 2002 Winter Olympics.  Other roles include Archibald Craven in The Secret Garden at the Village Theatre in Seattle, and Ziegfeld Tenor in Funny Girl at the Sundance Theatre.

The orchestra for the performance this year is The Music School’s Lyceum Repertory Orchestra, conducted by Kayson Brown.  The orchestra is comprised of high school age students from around the state.  These musicians are top notch, and find their way to The Music School in American Fork because of their incredible talent. It is a rare treat to witness such a group, and they will be playing music from great movies that will thrill the audience. The Conservatory at The Music School also offers a unique selection of ensembles that make it an exceptional place for musical growth. From the classics to new music, Conservatory ensembles provide exciting opportunities to create and perform music of the highest caliber. Their flagship ensemble, the Lyceum Repertory Orchestra has already been featured at several string conferences and was invited to perform with the Utah Symphony.  The Music School in American Fork, Utah, is the only community music school in the United States affiliated with the renowned Juilliard School of Music in New York City.

The concert is free to the public.  Tickets are required, and available at the 2News Studios at 299 S. Main, Daynes Music, 6935 S. State, or by sending a self-addressed stamped envelope to Pops Tickets, PO Box 2623, Salt Lake City, Utah 84110.  It is a two-night event, so be sure to save either July 11^th or 12^th.  Doors open at 6:15 p.m.  Seating will be given first to ticket holders and non-ticket holders will be seated on a standby basis after 7:15 pm.

For more information call (801) 363-9708.

For press or media, contact Danette Poulson (801) 390-1567.