Skip to main content

Draper Journal

Draper Philharmonic & Choral Society to present Broadway concert fundraiser for European tour

Oct 01, 2022 06:32PM ● By Katherine Weinstein

Gergory Jack, Jacobe Kenison, Dustin Halliday and Perry Morris performed a number from “Jersey Boys” in Draper Philharmonic & Choral Society’s “A Night on Broadway” in 2022. (Photo courtesy Joan Davis/Draper Philharmonic & Choral Society)

By Katherine Weinstein | [email protected]

Even before Sherri Jensen founded Draper Philharmonic & Choral Society in 2017, she had recurring dreams of conducting the sacred musical piece, "Lamb of God," in an elegant, gilded European concert hall. Those dreams may become reality in the summer of 2023. Draper Philharmonic & Choral Society is planning a five city tour of Europe during which they hope to present “Lamb of God” and “King of Kings” to new audiences. To raise funds for their trip, they are performing two concerts of songs from Broadway and movie musicals this month.

“A Night on Broadway” will be presented Oct. 7 and 8 at 7:30 p.m. at Corner Canyon High School in Draper. "We are hoping that people will support us and come to the concerts," Jensen said. "We have some amazing pieces of music. It's going to be a knockout."

Draper Philharmonic & Choral Society has made a tradition of presenting Broadway-themed concerts in the fall. This year, there will be a new selection of songs sung by new vocalists. The songs will be performed by orchestra and choir with many soloists in costume. Violinist Aliza Bishop described the concert as, "filled with classic songs that families know from their favorite musicals and movies."

Some highlights include a gospel-style rendition of "I Know Where I've Been" from "Hairspray," "A Million Dreams" from "The Greatest Showman," "Bring Him Home" from "Les Misérables," and "All I Ask of You" and “Masquerade” from "Phantom of the Opera."

Both Bishop and second soprano Patty Dixon mentioned "Masquerade" from "Phantom" as their favorite piece in the concert, especially the stirring moment when the choir comes in. For Bishop, the song, “Journey to the Past” from “Anastasia” brings back memories of childhood.

Dixon mentioned that her teen daughter's favorite piece is "One Day More." "It's a fun concert for a lot of different age groups," she said.

"This show will be so delightful and happy,” Jensen said. "Things are a little tough for people right now."

Jensen's vision for Draper Philharmonic & Choral Society has been twofold from the beginning—to bring light and joy to the community and to share the message of Jesus Christ. The two pieces that Draper Philharmonic & Choral Society plans to perform in Europe, "Lamb of God" by composer Rob Gardner and "King of Kings," by Draper composers Tyler Teerlink and Jake Lives, bring Biblical stories to life through music.

Jensen is excited to share "Lamb of God" and "King of Kings" with new audiences overseas. This past summer she traveled to Paris with a group to learn about the logistics of planning a concert tour. There is much to do and many expenses involved. While each of the musicians and singers will pay their own way, suitable venues must be booked, transportation arranged and equipment rented.

Concerts are slated to take place in Paris, Versailles, Prague, Salzburg and Vienna. The members of Draper Philharmonic & Choral Society are enthusiastic about the trip. "I think it's going to be the experience of a lifetime," Patty Dixon said.

"This will be a really cool opportunity," Bishop added. "The more support we can get the better."

More instrumentalists and vocalists, particularly male singers, are needed for the European tour. Information about joining Draper Philharmonic & Choral Society may be found on the organization’s website, draperphilharmonic.org.

"We're going for it," Jensen declared. "I actually do feel that we'll get there."

“A Night on Broadway Benefit Concert” will be presented at Corner Canyon High School, 12943 S. 700 East at 7:30 p.m., Oct. 7 and 8. Tickets cost $50, $25 or $10 depending on seat location and may be purchased online at draperphilharmonic.org.