LOGAN – The American Festival Chorus and Orchestra (AFCO) will present A Celtic Celebration on Saturday, Feb. 21.
“Experience the charm and mysticism of Celtic music as the AFCO is joined by guest soprano Alex Sharpe and Celtic violinist Máiréad Nesbitt to bring the joy of Celtic music to Cache Valley,” according to AFCO music director Craig Jessop.
The family pops concert will also feature the popular composer and performer Kurt Bestor.
The one-night-only event will take place in the Newel and Jean Daines Concert Hall on the campus of Utah State University at 7:30 p.m.
A former member of the musical ensemble Celtic Woman, Ms. Sharpe has performed on stages around the world, including in Sweden, Iceland, England, China and Japan.
Sharpe’s local accolades include being a guest soloist with the Mormon Tabernacle Choir and previous performances with the American Festival Chorus and Orchestra, at Utah State University in 2016 and with Jenny Oaks Baker and her family of musicians here in 2017 and 2023.
A Grammy- and Emmy-nominated artist and composer, Máiréad Nesbitt is also a veteran of Celtic Woman who has enchanted millions around the world as the featured Celtic violinist of that ensemble.
Her beguiling stage presence and versatile instrumental talents are adored by loyal fans of all ages, across geographical and cultural boundaries far beyond the musical heritage of Ireland.
Bestor launched his career writing music for television and movies, including more than 40 film scores and an additional more than 40 themes for national television programs and commercials.
A Utah icon nowadays, Bestor is renowned as a keyboardist and composer whose specialty is new-age music, orchestral arrangements, film scores, jazz tunes and especially his instrumental arrangements of traditional Christmas music.
Founded in 2008 and now in its 18th season, the American Festival Chorus & Orchestra has become a leading artistic voice in northern Utah and has sought to enrich the lives it touches through performance, education and appreciation of choral art.
The auditioned chorus brings together more than 200 singers from a 90-mile radius around Logan, including talented singers from the community, Utah State University faculty and outstanding USU students.
The AFC orchestra is a 65-member professional ensemble composed of faculty from USU’s music department, professional musicians from the region and selected USU students.
“This family pops-style concert will have you ready to dance a little jig,” Jessop promises, “as you delight in the sounds of Irish and Scottish folklore and tradition.”
Tickets for A Celtic Celebration can be obtained by going online to https://utahstateaggies.evenue.net/event/AF25/AF7
The Newel and Jean Daines Concert Hall is located in the Chase Fine Arts Center on the USU campus.