Solstice
Conductor, organist, pianist, and vocalist. Adam’s deep passion for music began at a young age. His studies include the University of Utah where he studied organ under Dr. Kenneth Udy, sang as a member of the University of Utah Choirs under renowned Dr. Barlow Bradford; Utah Tech University studying organ under Jane Dye, and Dr. Geoffrey Myers; conducting mentorship under Dr. Paul Wein’s; and mentorship under Robert Reimer. In 2014, Adam had the distinct opportunity to travel to Europe to study under master organists, Margaret Phillips in London and Ullrich Bohme in Leipzig, Germany – in the historic St. Thomas Church (Thomaskirche).
During his nearly 20-year music career, he has taught piano and organ, conducted choirs and orchestras across Utah, played the organ numerous times both as recitalist and accompanist, and sang in several ensembles. In 2015, he was honored to be selected as a recitalist and organist in the Eucharistic services for the 2015 National Episcopal General Convention in Salt Lake City. Also in 2015, he was appointed as principal organist and assistant Artistic Director of Sterling Singers in Salt Lake City, Utah. While with Sterling Singers, he performed across northern Utah, including the historic Salt Lake Tabernacle. Appointed in 2014, Adam is currently an organist at St. Mark’s Cathedral in Salt Lake City, Utah. In 2018, Adam co-founded Amavi Chorale with a group of close friends. Since its founding, he has both conducted and accompanied the choir. In 2023, he was appointed as Artistic Director. In June 2023, Adam led Amavi in its 5th anniversary celebratory concert performing Gabriel Faure’s “Requiem” with orchestra and Organ in St. Mark’s Cathedral. He is excited for a bright future with Amavi Chorale!
Kenneth Udy, a native of Salt Lake City, earned his DMA in organ performance from Claremont Graduate University and also studied at the University of Southern California and Utah State University. His organ teachers include Clay Christiansen, James Drake, Cherry Rhodes, and Robert Noehren. A practicing church musician since age 15, he has served since 1991 as Director of Music and Organist at Wasatch Presbyterian Church. He was also organist at Congregation Kol Ami for 25 years and frequently appears as a guest organist at the Salt Lake Tabernacle. He previously held posts at multiple churches in southern California.
In 2000 Dr. Udy joined the faculty of the University of Utah where he designed curriculum and helped implement the undergraduate and graduate degrees in organ performance. As University Organist he teaches organ majors and all organ coursework. Recently he assisted with the University’s acquisition of a new Flentrop practice organ. In addition, he maintains a studio of private organ students.
He is active in the Salt Lake City Chapter of the American Guild of Organists as their current Treasurer. He has previously served as Chapter Dean, District Convener, Co-Chairman of the Bi-Regional AGO Convention in June 2003, and an ex-officio board member.
Dr. Udy is the author of Alexander Schreiner: The California Years, a biography on the early career of Mormon Tabernacle organist Alexander Schreiner, published by Harmonie Park Press of Detroit. Last month his edition of six previously unpublished organ pieces by Alexander Schreiner was released by Wayne Leupold Editions. He is currently developing an online reference database for organists, choir directors, and church musicians.
Gina Morrison is a graduate of Piano Performance and Pedagogy from BYU. Her pride and joy are her hundreds of students she has taught as a private instructor for over three decades. She has a passion for both piano accompanying and choral directing, and has been privileged to serve in varying capacities as piano accompanist, vocal coach, and choral director for various entities within the community, including high school choir groups and community choral and theater productions.
Kerstin Tenney Bio–Light Album July 2023
Kerstin Tenney is a professional violinist based in Salt Lake City, Utah. As an active freelance musician, Kerstin works frequently on Recording projects, does solo work, and performs regularly with the Tabernacle Choir and Orchestra at Temple Square. She has toured with the Tabernacle Choir and Orchestra on stages across the world, including Carnegie Hall, the Berlin Philharmonie, and the Vienna Musikverein. Kerstin was the featured violin soloist on the soundtrack for the award-winning documentary, Bears of Durango, currently playing on PBS.
Kerstin has a private violin studio in which she incorporates physical, neurological, and psychological elements that facilitate greater ease in violin practice and performance with her students.
LIGHT is Kerstin’s debut album for which she commissioned four new works and eight new arrangements. The album was produced by award-winning classical producer and sound engineer, SImon Kiln, and British Award winning composer, Donald Fraser.
A native of Arizona, Kerstin enjoys spending time with loved ones, gardening, traveling, and of course playing her violin! She loves to shine light, helping others connect to who they really are.
She performs on a Guy Cole violin from the Avalon Studio 2005, patterned after the “Kochanski Guarneri del Gesu,” and a bow made by John Norwood Lee.
For more information visit kerstintenney.com.
(Scan or Click QR to purchase album)
Emily Quigley began playing the cello when she was 4 years old. She graduated with a bachelor’s degree in music from the University of Utah, after transferring from studying cello performance at Indiana University. She is currently getting her doctorate of Audiology at the U of U. She loves making music and still finds time to play for community events, corporate events, and weddings. She hopes this evening of music brings special joy celebrating Christmas!
Act 1: Longing for Light
Music by Michael Praetorius / Jan Sandtrom
Quartet: Ivy Hart, Sarah Ashby, Austin Simcox, Jesse Nebeker
Lo, how a Rose e’er blooming
From tender stem hath sprung!
Of Jesse’s lineage coming
As men of old have sung.
It came, a flower bright,
Amid the cold of winter
When half-gone was the night.
Music by Joanna Forbes L’Estrange
Words by Angier Brock
Kenneth Udy, Organ
One fretful and dangerous winter
in the dark of King Herod’s dread,
a child was born in a stable.
Let there be light, God said.
Light poured through a willing Mary,
and wailed in her baby’s first cry,
Light cornered the carpenter Joseph,
and plumbed his faith utterly.
Light shattered the peace of shepherds
tending sheep in the graggy wild
and steadied three dusty magi
making slow way t’ward the child.
Though conflict and dread live on
and new dangers roam the land,
a light still shines in the darkness,
the winter light where we stand.
May it waken us from slumber,
and guide us through the dark night,
May it fit us for willing labor,
Join hope to a faith burning bright.
For winter light is the Christ-child,
God enfleshed become Savior and friend,
and the cry of life,
is a cry for love.
Let there be light!
Amen!
Composed by Ola Gjeilo
Gina Morrison, Piano
Osana in excelsis.
Benedictus qui venit in nomine Domina.
Benedictus qui venit.
Osana in excelsis.
Agnus Dei, qui tolis peccata mundi.
Dona nobis pacem.
Translation
Hosanna in the highest.
Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord.
Blessed is he who comes.
Hosanna in the highest.
Lamb of God, Who take away the sins of the world.
Grant us peace.
Arranged by Marshall McDonald & Steven Sharp Nelson
Emily Quigley, Cello
Adam Hansen, Piano
This arrangement of O Come, O Come, Emmanuel is a stirring rendition of the timeless Christmas Hymn. Its rich harmonies and emotive instrument captures the profound longing and hope embodied in the Advent season. This interpretation brings a contemporary depth to the ancient melody, offering a message of anticipation and divine promise that resonates deeply. This rendition invites listeners to reflect on the joy and peace that come with Emmanuel’s arrival.
Music by Mykola Leontovich
Words and Arrangement by Peter J. Wilhousky
Hark! How the bells, sweet silver bells
All seem to say, “Throw cares away”
Christmas is here, bringing good cheer
To young and old, meek and the bold
Ding, dong, ding, dong, that is their song
With joyful ring, all caroling
One seems to hear, words of good cheer
From everywhere, filling the air
Oh, how they pound, raising the sound
O’er hill and dale, telling their tale
Gaily they ring, while people sing
Songs of good cheer, Christmas is here
Merry, merry, merry, merry Christmas
Merry, merry, merry, merry Christmas
On-on they send, on without end
Their joyful tone to every home
Arranged by David Willcocks
Traditional English Carol
God rest ye merry, gentlemen
Let nothing you dismay
For Jesus Christ, our Saviour
Was born upon this day
To save us all from Satan’s power
When we were gone astray
O tidings of comfort and joy,
Comfort and joy
O tidings of comfort and joy
From God our Heavenly Father
A blessed Angel came;
And unto certain Shepherds
Brought tidings of the same:
How that in Bethlehem was born
The Son of God by Name.
O tidings of comfort and joy,
Comfort and joy
O tidings of comfort and joy
The shepherds at those tidings
Rejoiced much in mind,
And left their flocks a-feeding
In tempest, storm and wind:
And went to Bethlehem straightway
This blessed baby to find.
O tidings of comfort and joy,
Comfort and joy
O tidings of comfort and joy
And when to Bethlehem they came
Where this infant lay,
They found Him in a manger,
Where oxen feed on hay;
His Mother Mary kneeling,
Unto the Lord did pray.
O tidings of comfort and joy,
Comfort and joy
O tidings of comfort and joy
Music: Greensleeves, English Melody
Words by William Chatterton Dix (1837-1898
Kenneth Udy, Organ
Please joins us in singing verses 1 and 3
(Audience) (1)
What Child is this who, laid to rest
On Mary’s lap, is sleeping?
Whom angels greet with anthems sweet
While the good shepherds watch are keeping?
This, this is Christ the King
Whom shepherds guard and angels sing
Haste, haste, to bring Him laud
The Babe, the Son of Mary
(Choir Only) (2)
Why lies He in such mean estate
where ox and ass are feeding?
Good Christian, fear: for sinners
here the silent Word is pleading.
This, this is Christ the King
Whom shepherds guard and angels sing
Haste, haste, to bring Him laud
The Babe, the Son of Mary
(Audience) (3)
So bring Him incense, gold and myrrh
Come peasant, king to own Him;
The King of kings salvation brings
Let loving hearts enthrone Him
This, this is Christ the King
Whom shepherds guard and angels sing
Haste, haste, to bring Him laud
The Babe, the Son of Mary
Words and Melody by J. F. Wade (c1711-1786
Arranged by David Willcocks
Kenneth Udy, Organ
Please join us in singing Hymn 83 (in the Episcopal Hymnbook) verses 1, 3, & 6,
or verses 1, 3, & 4 below
(Audience) (1)
O come, all ye faithful, joyful and triumphant,
O come ye, O come ye to Bethlehem!
Come, and behold Him, born the King of angels!
O come, let us adore Him;
O come, let us adore Him;
O come, let us adore Him, Christ, the Lord!
(Choir Only) (2)
God of God, Light of Light,
lo, He abhors not the virgin’s womb;
very God, begotten not created;
O come, let us adore Him;
O come, let us adore Him;
O come, let us adore Him, Christ, the Lord!
(Audience) (3)
Sing, choirs of angels; sing in exultation;
sing, all ye citizens of heav’n above!
Glory to God, all glory in the highest!
O come, let us adore Him;
O come, let us adore Him;
O come, let us adore Him, Christ, the Lord!
(Audience) (4)
Yea, Lord, we greet Thee, born this happy morning;
Jesus, to Thee be all glory giv’n!
Word of the Father, now in flesh appearing!
O come, let us adore Him;
O come, let us adore Him;
O come, let us adore Him, Christ, the Lord!
Act 2: Light Unveiled
Music by Ola Gjeilo
Kerstin Tenney, Violin
Adam Hansen, Piano
Winter Light is a stunning piece that captures the delicate interplay between darkness and light during the winter season. With its lush harmonies and flowing melodies, the work evokes a sense of quiet reflection and hope, celebrating the beauty of light breaking through the stillness. Inspired by the serene landscapes and the profound emotions of winter, Winter Light invites listeners to embrace the calm and find warmth in the gentle glow of illumination.
Traditional English Carol
Arranged by Mack Wilberg
Kenneth Udy, Organ
The First Nowell, the Angels did say
Was to certain poor shepherds in fields as they lay
In fields where they lay keeping their sheep
On a cold winter’s night that was so deep.
Nowell, Nowell, Nowell, Nowell
Born is the King of Israel!
They looked up and saw a star
Shining in the East beyond them far
And to the earth it gave great light
And so it continued both day and night.
Nowell, Nowell, Nowell, Nowell
Born is the King of Israel!
Then let us all with one accord
Sing praises to our heavenly Lord
That hath made Heaven and earth of nought
And with his blood mankind has bought.
Nowell, Nowell, Nowell, Nowell
Born is the King of Israel!
Music and Words by Will Todd
This piece is dedicated to those who may be facing illness, sadness, depression, or heartache during this time. It serves as a reminder of the comfort and peace that can be found in the presence of faith and community, offering solace to those in need and celebrating the enduring light of hope in the darkest moments.
Shepherds, called by angels,
called by love and angels:
No place for them but a stable.
My Lord has come.
Sages, searching for stars,
searching for love in heaven;
No place for them but a stable.
My Lord has come.
His love will hold me,
his love will cherish me,
love will cradle me.
Lead me, lead me to see him,
sages and shepherds and angels;
No place for me but a stable.
My Lord has come.
Arranged by David Lasky
Kenneth Udy, Organ
David Lasky’s arrangement of the traditional carol I Saw Three Ships is a joyful and spirited interpretation of this beloved Christmas tune. With its bright harmonies and lively rhythms, Lasky brings a fresh energy to the familiar melody while retaining its timeless charm. This arrangement captures the festive essence of the season, celebrating the joy and wonder of Christmas Day.
Composed by Ola Gjeilo
Emily Quigley, Cello
et admirabile sacramentum,
ut animalia viderent Dominum natum,
iacentem in praesepio!
Beata Virgo, cujus viscera
meruerunt portare
Dominum Iesum Christum.
Alleluia!
Translation
and wonderful sacrament,
that animals should see the newborn
Lord, lying in a manger!
Blessed is the virgin whose womb
was worthy to bear
the Lord, Jesus Christ.
Alleluia!
Music and Words by Adolph Adam
Arranged by Shawn Kirchner
Gina Morrison, Piano
O Holy Night, The stars are brightly shining,
it is the night of our dear Savior’s birth.
Long lay the world in sin and error pining,
Till He appear’d and our soul felt its worth.
A thrill of hope, the weary world rejoices,
For yonder breaks a new and glorious morn.
Fall on your knees!
O hear the angel voices! O night divine,
O holy night when Christ was born!
O night, O holy night, O night divine.
Led by the light of faith serenely beaming,
With glowing hearts, by the cradle we stand.
So led by light of a star sweetly gleaming,
here came the wisemen from Orient Land.
The King of Kings lay thus in lowly manger,
In all our trials, born to be our friend.
He knows our need, to weakness is no stranger.
Behold your King! Before the lowly bend.
Truly he taught us to love one another;
His law is love and is gospel is peace.
Chains shall he break, and all bonds burst asunder,
And in his name all oppression shall cease.
Sweet hymns of joy in grateful raise we,
Let all within us praise His holy name!
Christ is the Lord! O Praise His name forever!
His pow’r and glory ever more proclaim!
Composed by Felix Mendelssohn
Arranged by Mack Wilberg
Kenneth Udy, Organ
Hark! the herald angels sing,
“Glory to the newborn King!
Peace on Earth, and mercy mild,
God and sinners reconciled.”
Joyful, all ye nations rise;
Join the triumph of the skies;
With angelic host proclaim,
“Chris is born in Bethlehem!”
Hark! the herald angels sing,
“Glory to the newborn King!
Christ, by highest heav’n adored,
Christ the everlasting Lord,
Late in time him come,
offspring of a virgin’s womb.
Veiled in flesh, the Christ now see
,
Hail th’incarnate Deity,
Pleased as man with men to dwell,
Jesus, our Emmanuel.
Hark! the herald angels sing,
“Glory to the newborn King!
Hail! the heav’n born Prince of Peace!
Hail! the Son of righteousness!
Light and life to all he brings,
Ris’n with healing in his wings.
Mild he lays his glory by,
Born that man no more may die,
Born to raise the sons of earth,
Born to give them second birth.
Hark! the herald angels sing,
“Glory to the newborn King!
Hark! the herald angels sing,
“Glory to the newborn King!
