BYU-Idaho University Choir to perform "Saints and Pioneers" oratorio

The Brigham Young University-Idaho Choir, with student and faculty soloists and orchestra, will present Rob Gardner's oratorio "Saints and Pioneers" on Friday, November 3 at 6:00 and 8:30 p.m. in the Barrus Concert Hall. 

The oratorio is a sequel to Gardner's "Joseph Smith the Prophet," which the choir performed last fall, and tells the story of the Latter-day Saints' expulsion from Nauvoo, their trials in Iowa, and their exodus to the West under the leadership of Brigham Young. 

"Those who enjoyed ‘Joseph Smith the Prophet' will want to return to experience the next chapter," said Randall Kempton, director of the University Choir.  "Many members of the choir had ancestors who lived through the Nauvoo period and crossed the plains, and it has been wonderful for us to get to know them better emotionally by singing about them. Since much of the script is drawn directly from letters and journals of the pioneers, you get to hear in their own words what they went through.  It is a powerful and sincere tribute to some amazing people, perfect for this year when we remember the handcart companies."  

Rob Gardner will be in Rexburg to conduct the work.  The Women's Glee, conducted by Diane Myers, will also perform a short set of pieces on the concert.  Tickets can be purchased at the BYU-Idaho Ticket Office inside the Manwaring Center, or online at www.byui.edu/tickets.