Concert Information

Witty, wild, and wonderfully human, The Fa-la-la Follies explores the madrigal in all its playful glory. From sly double entendres to musical barnyards brimming with animal calls, this concert showcases the evolution of the madrigal, from the refined elegance of the early Renaissance to the bold drama of the Baroque. Voices weave intricate harmonies above a rich tapestry of period strings and harpsichord, bringing centuries of musical mischief and beauty to life. Join us for a night of sparkling harmonies and timeless wit in celebration of this versatile art form!

Saturday, October 25, 7:30 PM     Cathedral Church of St. Mark

Sunday, October 26, 5:00 PM   231 E 100 S, Salt Lake City

Admission: Pay as able (suggested $20 general / $15 senior / $15 student)

(Donations accepted at the door; this is a non-ticketed event)

Emily Nelson, soprano  •  Hillary Koolhoven, soprano

Anthony Ray, countertenor  •  Christopher Puckett, tenor

Christopher LeCluyse, tenor  •  Yvette Gilgen, bass

Micah Fleming, Baroque violin  •  Kasia Sokol-Borup, Baroque violin

Loren Carle, harpsichord  •  Eleanor Christman, Baroque cello

A treasured tradition returns! A perennial favorite for audiences year after year, this joyous program weaves together the rich musical traditions of Ireland, Scotland, Wales, England, the Isle of Man, and Cape Breton. Fiddles fly, the bodhrán pulses, and voices soar in a festive blend of lively reels, haunting winter lullabies, and centuries-old carols. From the mysticism of Medieval chant to the warmth of carols and foot-stomping jigs, this concert captures the spirit of the season in all its wonder.

Friday, December 19, 7:30 PM                                                            

Saturday, December 20, 7:30 PM     Cathedral Church of St. Mark

Sunday, December 21, 5:00 PM   231 E 100 S, Salt Lake City

Admission: Pay as able (suggested $20 general / $15 senior / $15 student)

(Donations accepted at the door; this is a non-ticketed event)

Emily Nelson, soprano  • Monica Hyman, alto  •  Christopher LeCluyse, tenor  • Ricky Parkinson, bass 

Bronwen Beecher, fiddle •  Ben Spigle, Irish flute

Therese Honey, Celtic harp  • Eleanor Christman Cox, cello  •  Cindy Spigle, bodhrán

Delicate, radiant, and steeped in introspection, the French Baroque speaks in whispers rather than shouts. Elegy for a Dying Sun features François Couperin’s Leçons de ténèbres, a masterpiece of sacred intensity, written for the quiet hours before dawn. Alongside this profound work, chamber music for two sopranos, recorder, flute, and basso continuo reveals the elegance and emotional subtlety of a court culture in twilight.

Saturday, January 24, 7:30 PM     Cathedral Church of St. Mark

Sunday, January 25, 5:00 PM   231 E 100 S, Salt Lake City

Admission: Pay as able (suggested $20 general / $15 senior / $15 student)

(Donations accepted at the door; this is a non-ticketed event)

Emily Nelson, soprano  •  Hilary Koolhoven, soprano 

Rachel Miles, traverso  •  Lisa Chaufty, traverso

Loren Carle, harpsichord & organ 

Eleanor Christman, Baroque cello  •  Joëlla Becker-Harrow, Baroque cello

Poet, philosopher, and trailblazer, Christine de Pizan carved out a voice of brilliance and defiance at the dawn of the Renaissance. Centuries ahead of her time, she challenged the status quo, defended women’s intellect, and penned ideas that still resonate today.

In this vivid tribute for International Women’s History Month, Utopia Early Music brings Christine’s world to life through music, storytelling, and dramatic readings of her own words. A vocal quartet joins medieval lute, recorder, and percussion to illuminate the passions and provocations of this extraordinary woman in a program that is as thought-provoking as it is enchanting.

This concert is made possible in part by a generous grant from The Salt Lake City Arts Council.

Saturday, March 21, 7:30 PM   Cathedral Church of St. Mark

Sunday, March 22, 5:00 PM 231 E 100 S, Salt Lake City

Admission: Pay as able (suggested $20 general / $15 senior / $15 student)

(Donations accepted at the door; this is a non-ticketed event)

Emily Nelson, soprano  •  Anthony Ray, countertenor 

Christopher LeCluyse, tenor  •  Yvette Gilgen, bass

Lisa Chaufty, traverso

Niccolo Seligmann, vielle • Therese Honey, Gothic harp