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