About Us
The Utah Baroque Ensemble, founded in 1987, is a select community choir of
ﾠapproximately thirty-two members, which specializes in early period sacred
ﾠmusic (generally sung in the original language, such as Latin or German),
ﾠwith an emphasis on the music of Johann Sebastian Bach.ﾠ The mission of the
ﾠchoir is to offer the singers the opportunity to participate in a quality
ﾠlocal community choir, as well as expose the public, particularly students,
ﾠto technically difficult music.ﾠ It is the only community choir of its kind
ﾠin Utah and provides audiences throughout Utah and Salt Lake Counties the
ﾠopportunity to hear live performances of the highest quality.ﾠ On occasion,
ﾠthe choir also goes on tour, as they did in August of 2005 to England, where
ﾠthey received enthusiastic response from discerning audiences.
Martha Sargent has directed the Utah Baroque Ensemble since its founding in
ﾠ1987. She holds a BA in music education and a Master of Music (MM) in choral
ﾠconducting from BYU. She performs as principal oboist with the Utah Valley
ﾠSymphony and teaches oboe privately. Mrs. Sargent also directs the Christmas
ﾠChorus, a women's choir that presents a Christmas concert each year
ﾠfeaturing Benjamin Britten's Ceremony of Carols.
Jerri Bearce has accompanied the Utah Baroque Ensemble since 1994. She
ﾠreceived her Bachelor of Music in organ performance from BYU in 1981. She
ﾠholds a First Prize in Organ Performance from the Royal Flemish Conservatory
ﾠof Music in Antwerp.
Endorsements
'There are many fine musical organizations within this community, but none
ﾠhas achieved the quality of performance nor maintains the specific purpose
ﾠof musical integrity as does this organization.ﾠ I am pleased to give them my
ﾠunqualified endorsement.'
Craig Jessop
Music Director
Mormon Tabernacle Choir
'In my opinion, there are very few community based choral ensembles in the
ﾠIntermountain Area that can equal their performance ability.ﾠ They sing the
ﾠhighest caliber of choral literature with style, beauty, and commitment. ﾠI
ﾠhighly recommend this ensemble to you.ﾠ They are deserving of any financial
ﾠassistance you may be able to offer in this venture of cultural exchange.ﾠ I
ﾠask you to give them your most careful consideration.'
Dr. Ronald Staheli
Director of Choral Activities,
School of Music
Brigham Young University