Veterans were sent off to war, but do we really understand what they went through and continue to experience?  The composers and poets featured in this concert, several of whom were veterans themselves, did.  These are veterans' stories told in a way that can only be conveyed through music.  Join with the American Festival Chorus & Orchestra and the men of the USU Chorale in a stunning and thought-provoking journey that explores their experiences and sacrifice.

War and the Human Heart combines chamber orchestra, chorus, film, and live narration in a moving performance that honors the experience of war for every veteran, past or present.  Master of Ceremonies Ken Verdoia, recently-retired from KUED television, will guide the audience through feelings of battle, loss, and love as veterans have experienced them. 

Hear rarely-performed and compelling music by Beethoven, Rousel, Grainger, Martinů, Holst, Schumann, and others --- music that you may never have the opportunity to hear live again. Many of the pieces in this event have not been performed in Utah recently or ever.  In addition to music and film, there will be readings and narration by Mr. Verdoia, "Utah's Storyteller," as well as accompanying supertitles in English.

The concert is the culmination of a week-long series of events on the Utah State University campus commemorating the 100th anniversary of Armistice Day, the cessation of hostilities in the First World War. 

To enhance your experience, arrive early and attend the FREE pre-concert talk "Music Goes to War: From Parisian Music Halls to the Trenches of World War I" at 6:15 in FAV150.

Program Notes