NEWS: Bravo Broadway returns to Utah Symphony as a holiday celebration

SALT LAKE CITY— The Utah Symphony will celebrate ‘The Most Wonderful Time of the Year’ with the return of “Bravo Broadway” sporting some holiday cheer.

Under the direction of Principal Pops Conductor Jerry Steichen, the orchestra welcomes Broadway star Doug LaBrecque (The Phantom of the Opera) and American Idol Finalist LaKisha Jones to the stage for this musical “Holiday Celebration” also featuring the West Jordan High School Concert Choir led by Kelly DeHaan, December 21 and 22 at 8 p.m. in Abravanel Hall. The concert will include timeless holiday favorites such as “White Christmas,” “O Holy Night,” “Baby, it’s Cold Outside,” and the ever-whimsical symphonic classic, “Sleigh Ride.”

Single tickets for the performances range from $29 to $85 and can be purchased by calling (801) 355-ARTS (2787), in person at the Abravanel Hall ticket office (123 W. South Temple) or by visiting www.utahsymphony.org. Discounted student tickets will be available on the date of the performance. Season ticket holders and those desiring group discounts should call (801) 533-NOTE (6683). All ticket prices are subject to change and availability, and will increase $5 when purchased on the day of the performance.

LaKisha Jones, Mezzo-Soprano

Best known to millions of TV viewers as a top four finalist during the 2007 season of

“American Idol,” LaKisha Jones is ready to reclaim center stage in music, theatre and television.

Her last album, “So Glad I’m Me” was full of Jones’ expressive, full-bodied and arresting

vocals, the same voice that electrified “American Idol” viewers. Having worked with hit-making songwriters and producers including Tony Nicholas (Patti LaBelle, Luther Vandross), Ro & Sauce (Brandy, Ne-Yo) and Greg Curtis (Keyshia Cole, Yolanda Adams), Jones’ album featured a spirited mix of R&B and soul.

She auditioned for “American Idol” once before in 2003 but didn’t make the cut.  Jones drove to New York to audition again for “Idol” and made it to the 2007 season where she became the fourth finalist. She segued from “Idol” to the Broadway stage for “The Color Purple” where she played two roles: that of a “church lady” and of the pivotal character “Sophia.” The latter role she alternated with R&B icon Chaka Khan, who became her mentor. Jones participated

in Khan’s 35th Anniversary Tour.

A frequent soloist with symphony orchestras around the world, Jones has performed as a guest soloist with the National Symphony, San Diego Symphony, Utah Symphony, Winnipeg Symphony, Minnesota Orchestra, Colorado Symphony, and Grand Rapids Symphony.  Upcoming engagements include Houston Symphony, Cleveland Orchestra, Phoenix Symphony, and the Festival Cesky Krumlov in the Czech Republic among others.

Doug LaBrecque, Tenor

Doug LaBrecque thrilled theatre audiences as The Phantom and Raoul in the Harold Prince production of “The Phantom of the Opera”.  In addition, LaBrecque has starred on Broadway as Ravenal in the Hal Prince revival of “Showboat”, a role he also performed in Canada and Chicago. He also toured nationally with “Les Miserables”. An active concert performer, LaBrecque has been a soloist with some of the world’s finest symphony orchestras including The National Symphony (with Marvin Hamlisch), Chicago Symphony, Cleveland Orchestra, Hong Kong Philharmonic and at the Prague Festival among many others.  He performed as a guest soloist with the New York Pops at Carnegie Hall and recently with Peter Nero and the Philly Pops. 

Kelly DeHaan, Chorus Director

Kelly DeHaan received his undergraduate and graduate degrees in choral education and choral conducting from the University of Utah.  DeHaan has been teaching high school choir at his beloved West Jordan High School since 1997 and is devoted to his students.  As a teacher he was awarded the UMEA Music Educator of the Year Award in 2009 as well as the Jordan Education Foundation Outstanding Educator Award in 2008.  DeHaan was the assistant accompanist and associate director for the Utah Symphony Chorus and has been seen on stage at many of the local.  He has also musically directed many shows at local regional and community theaters. He is a respected honor choir clinician and accompanist, and is a sought after vocal coach and studio musician.  DeHaan was a member of the Mormon Tabernacle Choir and in 2005, he had the distinct honor of being the conductor for the 16,000 voice Day of Celebration Choir. DeHaan is the associate conductor/principal accompanist for the Utah Voices, and has been conducting the Sterling Singers, a high quality community choir of 380 singers, since 1996.  He is the proud father of four and husband of one. 

Program

Leroy Anderson	A Christmas Festival
Traditional	O Come All Ye Faithful West Jordan High School Concert Choir
George Pola, Edward and Wyle	It's the Most Wonderful Time of the Year Doug LaBrecque, Tenor LaKisha Jones, Mezzo Soprano West Jordan High School Concert Choir
Irving Berlin	White Christmas Doug LaBrecque, Tenor
Albert Hague	Santa Claus is Coming to Town LaKisha Jones, Mezzo Soprano West Jordan High School Concert Choir
Frank Loesser	"Baby, it's Cold Outside" from Neptune's Daughter LaKisha Jones, Mezzo Soprano Doug LaBrecque, Tenor
Dan Forrest	The Hands that First Held Mary's Child West Jordan High School Concert Choir
Jule Styne	Let it Snow Doug LaBrecque, Tenor
Adolphe Adam	Oh Holy Night Doug LaBrecque, Tenor LaKisha Jones, Mezzo Soprano West Jordan High School Concert Choir
INTERMISSION
Leroy Anderson	Sleigh Ride
Jerry Herman	"We Need a Little Christmas" from Mame Doug LaBrecque, Tenor LaKisha Jones, Mezzo Soprano West Jordan High School Concert Choir
Regney/O'Neil	Do You Hear What I Hear? Doug LaBrecque, Tenor West Jordan High School Concert Choir
Mariah Carey	All I Want for Christmas is You LaKisha Jones, Mezzo Soprano West Jordan High School Concert Choir
Felix Bernard	Winter Wonderland LaKisha Jones, Mezzo Soprano Doug LaBrecque, Tenor
Mearle Marsh	A Child's Christmas West Jordan High School Concert Choir
Harold Arlen	"Over the Rainbow" from The Wizard of OZ Doug LaBrecque, Tenor
Dolly Parton	I Will Always Love You LaKisha Jones, Mezzo Soprano
Traditional	Children Go Where I Send Thee LaKisha Jones, Mezzo Soprano Doug LaBrecque, Tenor West Jordan High School Concert Choir