John Rutter's "Magnificat"

British composer John Rutter’s masterwork, Magnificat, or Song of Mary, is the cornerstone of the concert. It is a musical setting in seven movements of one of the most frequently recited canticles, or hymns, about Mary, the mother of Christ, from the Book of Common Prayer. It tells of Mary’s song of praise at the time she visited her cousin Elizabeth.

“This is one of the most well-loved scriptural texts, put to beautiful melodies by a remarkable composer,” remarks director Dr. Steve Meredith. “Mr. Rutter was the Mozart of his generation.” “Magnificat” features Mary Fox, Kara Barney, and Rimi Fletcher as soloists.

Other pieces on the concert include Moses Hogan’s rousing spiritual “The Battle of Jericho,” a melodic setting of “The Lord’s Prayer” by Maurice Duruflé, “Oh Lord I Would Hear Thy Word” from Merrill Bradshaw’s oratorio The Restoration, and “Ubi Caritas” by Juilliard-trained Norwegian composer Ola Gjeilo.

“So much of choral music centers on inspiration and life-affirming themes,” says director Dr. Keith Bradshaw. “These pieces are wonderful examples of this and we are excited to share them with our audience.”

Tracey Bradshaw accompanies Red Rock Singers on the piano. The group began in February 2015 and has, since then, worked with well-known choral directors Dr. Ronald Staheli, professor emeritus of Brigham Young University, and Dr. Ryan Murphy of the Mormon Tabernacle Choir. Red Rock Singers welcomes new members through audition.