egardless of the apathy that exists in the airwaves toward classical music, the concert scene of live classical performances is alive and well. The Utah Symphony and Opera continues to strive to represent the local classical music scene and is by far the largest classical music organization in the area. The Libby Gardner Hall Virtuoso Concert Series, however, is one of the brightest stars in the area and a healthy supplement to the large symphonic and/or operatic performances.

Classical music? Bah, humbug! That stuff is for senior citizens, yuppies and nerdy music students. Despite what one may think of classical music, it is the source of some of the greatest artistic expression around. The other side of music, the popular side, that is, seems to be more concerned with securing fans and commercial success. The artistic expression and talent becomes secondary when there is huge money to be made. But the classical music scene continues to thrive without concern for the best way to make money.

The Virtuoso Series’ four-year existence has brought some of the brightest, most experienced and talented classical musicians of the world. Soloists such as Joshua Bell, Garrick Ohlsson, Gil Shaham, Barbara Bonnie, Heidi Grant Murphy and Yefim Bronfman added their artistic and award-winning touches to the Libby stage. Even better are the chamber groups like eighth blackbird, Academy of Ancient Music, Musiqua Antigua Köln, the Hilliard Ensemble and the Elaine Elias Trio, which draw large and enthusiastic crowds. When asked about his experience playing in the Virtuoso Series at Libby Gardner Hall, Ohlsson said, “It was a thrill to play my first recital at Libby Gardner Hall––a space that combines intimacy with visual beauty and wonderful acoustics. The sound of a hall is in itself an instrument that affects me intensely. Your hall, with its marvelous sound, was an absolute inspiration to me.” This is a mere sampling of the positive responses performers and listeners alike have at a Virtuoso Series concert. Bringing in the best soloists and chamber groups is the name of the series’ game. From the ancient sounds of baroque chamber music to the fresh sounds of modern jazz, there is no genre or era of classical music left unexplored.

Since the University of Utah is home to the guest artists, the Virtuoso Series takes full advantage of providing educational opportunities for students. In addition to lectures, most performers take time to give master classes. These classes allow the students to perform their instruments in the presence of the guest artist. Since the visiting artists of the series are exceptional professionals in their field, their insights and advice for student performers are invaluable and enriching.

The RED Interview

“The idea behind the Virtuoso Series began during the renovation and re-opening of Gardner Hall,” said Becky Durham, director of the Virtuoso Series. “Included in the renovation was a new concert hall: Libby Gardner Hall. Libby Gardner Hall was the first recital hall on the U campus and really the first recital hall of its kind in Salt Lake City. Roger Miller [U professor of music history] thought the concert hall was an ideal venue for celebrity performers. Because of my experience with administration of the Utah Chamber Artists, Roger asked if I would help start a concert series for the new recital hall…Through some funding from the Eccles Foundation and other sources, we were able to start the Virtuoso Series.”

“The nice thing is most of the funds go toward the artists,” Durham continued. “There isn’t much overhead, I am really the only employee of the series and I am just part time.”

Durham illustrated the main reasons for establishing the concert series: “The first purpose…was to bring artists of international reputation to Salt Lake City.” Of course, budgetary problems wouldn’t allow a steady slate of headliners. “We have only a few big headliners in a given season,” Durham said. “However, another purpose of the series was to bring up-and-coming and obscure artists to the concert stage.” Some of the names include youthful acts like eighth blackbird and cellist Alisa Weilerstein.

There are so many incredible and talented professional musicians out there. It can be a difficult task to find one who is both popular and obscure as well as über-talented. Durham said she chooses a lot of the performers based on what other nationally reputed concert series are doing in addition to U music faculty input. “There are several times when I turn on the radio and hear a performer who recently played in our Virtuoso Series.” Besides playing to nearly sold-out crowds in the evening, most artists are willing to share their talents with students in master classes. Durham shared that another significant purpose of the Virtuoso Series “is to provide educational opportunities for the students. Christopher O’Riley and Carter Brey [recent guests] nearly knocked themselves out instructing the students in master classes and giving a concert all in the same day.”

One of the immediate issues in dealing with classical music is funding. It was rumored that Virtuoso Series funds were running out and that we might even see an end to the series. “This isn’t true,” Durham said. “We did have to cut back to six concerts this season, but next season we are up to the eight concerts again.” It seems that the recital series shows no signs of stopping.

The Virtuoso Series proves that the large symphony hall and one radio station are not the only sources for enjoyable classical music programming in the area. “The Virtuoso Series brings a crowd that does not normally attend concerts at Libby Gardner Hall.” There is definitely a good mix of people at the concerts. From the gray-hairs to the disheveled students, the series is a melting pot of concertgoers. According to Durham, the mix of people is exactly what the series asks for: “We try to program our concerts to balance the general concertgoer tastes with that which is on the cutting edge and academically pleasing.” So no matter what you think of classical music, the intimate and unabashed setting of the Virtuoso Series at Libby Gardner Hall is ideal to either whet your appetite for the great sounds of the masters or to convert you to the music that doesn’t shift with the trendy current of commercialism.
christian@red-mag.com