In the Press

Mozart's Requiem On Wednesday's Access Utah

Source: UPR Radio: Access Utah - Jul 7, 2021

Craig Jessop, Director of AFCO and Gary Griffin, Managing Director of Utah Festival Opera and Musical Theater (UFOMT) ... join us in-studio to talk about Mozart, the Requiem, and performing arts as we come out of the pandemic.

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American Festival Chorus and Orchestra, with Special Guest Lexi Walker, Bring Joy to the Stage in Christmas From the Daines Concert Hall at Utah State University

Source: frontrowreviewersutah.com - Dec 8, 2018

Christmas from the Daines Concert Hall with the American Festival Chorus and Orchestra at USU is playing for the eleventh year and it’s not a concert you want to miss. It’s as good as any my husband and I (both very interested in music) have ever seen, including those done by the Tabernacle Choir at Temple Square.



It's A Railroad Celebration: The American Festival Chorus Performs A Train-Centered Concert

Source: UPR.org - Feb 8, 2019

Known as one of America’s greatest achievements, the Transcontinental Railroad revolutionized the way America functioned, back in 1869. It paved the way, literally, to a new economy, and connected the West to the East making transporting passengers and goods less expensive and more efficient. 2019 is the 150th anniversary of the event, which calls for a celebration. 



Walking with Jesus: American Festival Chorus premiers new piece Easter weekend

Source: HJNews.com - Apr 18, 2019

Some Christians may have wondered what would it have been like to walk with Jesus Christ after his resurrection, yet not know who he was.

This weekend, a performance by the American Festival Chorus will explore this idea during the premiere of a newly composed piece, “To a Village Called Emmaus.”

“We want every person to feel like they are a traveler on that road,” said Ethan Wickman, the piece’s composer. “The music creates space for them to consider what this companionship would mean to them.”

Craig Jessop, director of the chorus, commissioned the piece nearly two years ago. A grant from the Sorenson Legacy Foundation paid for its creation.

Both he and Wickman said they don’t know of any other musical settings of this story.

“This is a real contribution,” Jessop said. “Not just living in another idea that someone has already done and done and done.”



KUED - Contact: Interview with Craig Jessop

Source: KUED.org - Sep 27, 2018

A brief (3minutes) video interview about War and the Human Heart.



Teaching to the choir: American Festival Chorus teams up with high schoolers for concert

Source: HJNews.com - May 16, 2018

Students from four Cache County high schools had the chance to perform at the Daines Concert Hall with the American Festival Chorus on Tuesday night.

“Whenever I go and do clinics around the country, I’m assured the future is in good hands, if they’ll just turn it over to the choral students of America,” Jessop said.



American Festival Chorus to finish 10th season with 'Sancta Civitas'

Source: CacheValleyDaily - Mar 29, 2018

This is the 10th anniversary season for the American Festival Chorus and Orchestra and it concludes on Saturday, April 7 with a deeply moving concert Craig Jessop said you will not want to miss.



Jerry Earl Johnston: A spirit-soaked night of song in Cache Valley with Morten Lauridsen

Source: Deseret News - Apr 23, 2017

It’s always fun when a town from the provinces upstages Salt Lake City in the arts.

It happened when the Hale Center Theater in Orem landed Audra McDonald, queen of the Tony Awards, for the lead role in one of its shows.



17-year-old Logan High composer to debut work with American Festival Chorus and Orchestra

Source: CacheValleyDaily.com - Oct 20, 2016

LOGAN – The Craig Jessop conducted American Festival Chorus and Orchestra “Halloween Spooktacular” will take place October 29 at 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. in the Ellen Eccles Theatre. The program, produced and hosted by USU professor Cory Evans, will be feature a 220-voice choir, full orchestra, soloists, dancers and surprise guests.



One of the greatest musical pieces ever

Source: CacheValleyDaily.com - Aug 3, 2016

by Jennie Christensen

This is the last week for the current Utah Festival Opera and Musical Theatre season. Operations Director Gary Griffin says large numbers of people have been enjoying the performances which have an additional venue this year with the completion of the revamped and remodeled Utah Theatre. 



USU conductor Craig Jessop honored with top Utah arts award

Source: Standard Examiner - Apr 21, 2016

LOGAN — Craig Jessop, founding dean of the Caine College of the Arts at Utah State University, has the Midas touch when it comes to the arts in the state of Utah and Governor Gary Herbert agrees.

Jessop is one of four honorees of the 2016 Governor’s Leadership in the Arts awards. Other winners include the Utah Arts Festival, James Rees and the Zion Canyon Arts and Humanities Council.



Bach’s Poignant Tribute St. Matthew Passion Ushers in Easter

Source: The Salt Lake Tribune - Mar 26, 2016

Craig Jessop and his American Festival Chorus brought a magnificent Easter gift to the people of Salt Lake City on Saturday: a profoundly moving presentation of Bach's great St. Matthew Passion. Hundreds of listeners sat transfixed in the Cathedral of the Madeleine for the oratorio's nearly 3-hour running time, hearing the story of Jesus' trial and crucifixion unfold.



Music and dance showcase Utah’s cultural and religious heritage

Source: Episcopal News Service - Jul 2, 2015

The Kenshin Taiko drummers from the Japanese Church of Christ in Salt Lake City got the July 1 Utah Showcase off to a thunderous start with a reverberating opening number representing a dragon wishing listeners a long life and good health.



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