Farmington 2008 Concert

 

 

 


Inspiration of early Saints helped composer, singer

Saturday, August 2, 2008
By MICHELE HOWEY
Standard-Examiner correspondent

Davis residents perform "Saints on the Seas"
FARMINGTON -- Leaving behind all that was familiar -- friends, family, possessions and finally their homelands -- more than 85,000 Latter-day Saint pioneers first made the journey across an ocean "long before any of them saw a single wagon wheel," said Farmington resident Cori Connors.
Connors wrote and performed several songs that are part of "Saints on the Seas," a program written to honor those who made the voyage. It was presented July 23-25 at the Farmington Community Arts Center.
Connors said, "I thought it was appropriate to reach out to those who did that. That is part of Utah's heritage, whether you are LDS or not. Hopefully, it is compelling to even those not of our faith. We have within us the same spiritual, physical makeup as they did. I hope this makes us realize our capacity to be pioneers ourselves."
Described as a musical commemoration of the crossing of LDS converts in response to the prophet's call to Zion, "Saints on the Seas" uses music, journal entries, film and narrators to take the audience through the emotions and trials the Saints may have experienced during their epic voyage, including storms and the loss of loved ones.
The musical has been reworked since it was first presented by an orchestra and 100-voice choir back in 2001. Connors said the reworked show incorporates native instruments, and she calls it a folk version that now uses only seven musicians.
"The instruments we use are indigenous to the time and area as well as the culture of the immigrants in general," she said. "By the way, Jean Rio Baker, about whom I wrote and sing two of the songs, brought the first piano to the Salt Lake Valley. It's now in the Church History Museum in (Salt Lake City)."
Some of the instruments used in the show are guitar, bass, mandolin, citern, hammered dulcimer, walkabout dulcimer, autoharp, bodrahn (Irish drum), tin whistle, and what Connors referred to as "God's best instrument," the voice.
One of her songs, "True North," tells the story of those who were constant in their faith, much as the North Star that guided their journey was constant in the sky.
"She (Baker) was standing on the deck of the ship at night, looking at the stars. They are placed differently in the sky in Utah than in England, except the North Star. I thought that represented the very deep devotion of these people to their new faith, unmoving, like true north."
Another song spoke of the loss many Saints endured, and was written about the death of Baker's 7-year-old son, whom she buried at sea along the way. "She recorded the latitude and longitude of where they buried him. Just that little detail was heart-wrenching to me," Connors said.
Elaine Clark, who attended the show with her mother-in-law, said the music made it come alive.
"I like the fact they used the native instruments. It made it seem authentic," she said.
Her mother-in-law, whose name is also Elayne Clark, shared that her great-grandmother, whom she remembers, crossed on the boats and then the plains when she was only four.
Flags stood as a backdrop for the musicians, representing the European countries from which many pioneers emigrated, along with banners bearing excerpts of journal entries from those who "crossed the great deep."
One banner with an entry from James Thomas Sutton of England, who crossed on the ship Hudson in 1864, read, "We would not have turned back had we been given the chance."

LOGO: Clipper Publishing 
CORI CONNORS (in black) with her fellow “Saints on the Sea” performers, including Dave and Carka Eskelsen, John Connors, Tom and Gael Shults, and Mark Robinette, who was one of her co-writers on the project.

 

 

 

CORI CONNORS (in black) with her fellow “Saints on the Sea” performers, including Dave and Carka Eskelsen, John Connors, Tom and Gael Shults, and Mark Robinette, who was one of her co-writers on the project.

Saints on the Seas
Jenniffer Wardell
FARMINGTON — For some pioneers, their journey across the plains was just the last step in a very long adventure This July 24 residents can honor those pioneers with “Saints Across the Seas,” which will be performed at the Farmington Arts Center on July 23, 24 and 25 at 8 p.m. Written in 2001 by local songstress Cori Connors with Mark Robinette and Kurt Bestor, the production is a tribute to all those who had to brave a ship before they could even think of moving on to a handcart or wagon. “I loved writing this production, and I love performing it, because it makes me feel connected to my ancestors, either by blood or by faith,” said Connors, who will be performing “Saints” with Robinette and others. “Roughly 85,000 pioneers sailed the ocean before they ever saw a wagon wheel.”

It’s the stories of those pioneers that serve as the backbone and heart of “Saints Across the Seas.” As research for the production Connors spent almost a year researching ship logs and journals, taking the stories of real pioneers and gently editing them into what audiences see on stage.

“During the research I had the pleasure of pretending that I was a pioneer,” said Connors. “The process was both daunting and inspiring.”

All of the characters in “Saints” are real immigrants, and the music has been inspired by their letters and journals. One set of journals, written by a pioneer woman named Jean Rio Baker, had a special impact on Connors and ended up inspiring two of the production’s songs.

“I think she was able to write what many people felt and could not express,” said Connors.

In one entry, dated Jan. 4, 1851, she describes the night and the nature of the sea that has been her constant companion on her journey.

“The moon [is] nearly at full with a deep blue sky studded with stars, the reflection of which makes the sea appear like an immense sheet of diamonds,” writes Baker.

Then, later, “I have seen the mighty deep in its anger, with our ship nearly on her beam-ends, and I have seen it, (as now), under a cloudless sky, with scarcely a ripple on its surface. I do not know which to admire most.”

Tickets to the performances are $8 in advance or $10 at the door. To purchase tickets or for more information, please call Farmington City at 451-0953 or go online to www.farmington.utah.gov.

'Saints on the Sea'

Musical tells of lesser-known pioneers

Over 90,000 Mormons from Europe had to cross the Atlantic Ocean before they crossed the plains

By Janine S. Creager
Close-Up Correspondent
Salt Lake Tribune

Article Last Updated:07/24/2008 01:43:30 PM MDT


Cori Connors, left, wrote the songs for Saints on the Sea, which originally commissioned by the Seatrek Foundation. In 2001, it was performed throughout England and Scandinavia. (Janine S. Creager/Close-Up Correspondent )

Center, Farmington resident Carla Eskelsen, plays the Celtic drum flanked by her husband Dave, on the left, and John Connors on the right. (Janine S. Creager/Close-Up Correspondent )


Gael Shults, right, of American Fork plays the hammered dulcimer in the program. (Janine S. Creager/Close-Up Correspondent )

Each summer, thousands of LDS youth pull handcarts along dusty trails to re-enact journey of the pioneers. But for over 90,000 of those who made the journey, there was the sail from their homelands in the British Isles and Scandinavia before the trail.
    The amazing story of courage and faith of these maritime pioneers will be retold in the musical tribute "Saints on the Sea" tonight at 8 p.m. at the Farmington Arts Center, 120 South Main Street.
    Written by Farmington resident Cori Connors with award-winning composer Kurt Bestor and Kaysville resident Mark Robinette, "Saints on the Seas" was originally commissioned by the Seatrek Foundation and was performed throughout England and Scandinavia in 2001 with the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra and Choir. Tonight's performance includes the same music and sentiment, but is a simpler version of the earlier oratorio.
    "The songs I wrote were songs of the common people," says Connors. "This version has only indigenous instruments [available on the ships]. It is a little more accessible to the average ear."
    During the Seatrek performances, Connors heard of one gentleman who attended the oratorio and celebration at a British seaside port. Flanked by his son and grandson, the man said he had an overwhelming feeling of love for his family. That feeling of togetherness is what Connors hopes to generate with this show.
    "The whole idea is to connect family together," she says.
    Dave and Carla Eskelsen of Farmington will join Connors, Robinette, Connors' son, John, and Tom and Gael Shults of American Fork in tonight's performance. The Eskelsens have known Connors and her music for years, and were thrilled with the opportunity to be involved in the production.
    "What Cori has done with [this show] is to memorialize in a very touching way the sacrifice made to . . . start a new life," says Dave Eskelsen. "Nothing in my life compares to the peril and adventure [they experienced]. They did not consider themselves doing something perilous, or being heroic. It was just something they had to do."
    For Cori Connors, the connection with the past makes this performance unlike any other.
    "I feel a presence. For some reason, doing this show carries a different [feeling]. It makes the show one of the greatest joys to perform," she says. "We become of one heart and one mind as we perform it. Music is the perfect [way] to tell the story."
   
    If you go
    * "Saints on the Sea" is a multimedia presentation complete with music, narratives from original journal entries, and visual images. Advance tickets for "Saints on the Sea" are $8 and available online at www.farmington .utah.gov, or in person at the Parks and Recreation Office, 720 W. 100 North, until 5 p.m. today. Tickets purchased at the door are $10. Families are encouraged to attend together, but because the production will be recorded live, parents are requested not to bring children younger than 4.
   
   
   

Audience comments re. Saints on the Seas Farmington 2008

Hi!

Not that you're not already getting a million people telling you the 
same thing, but I just had to let you know how absolutely thrilled my 
parents and I were by Friday night's production of "Saints on the 
Seas." The quality of each and every one of the performances was 
excellent, but even better the music managed to move all three of us 
in a really profound way.  We laughed, we cried, and all in all the 
hour passed much too quickly.

Thank you so much for bringing such beauty to Davis County. I am 
*definitely* on the mailing list for when the acoustic CD comes out.

-Jenniffer Wardell, reporter
Davis County Clipper

 

Dear Cori & co.

What a magnificent performance on Friday night! Thanks so much for the gift of your singing and playing! The show was elegant in its simplicity, and was so subtly and skillfully delivered! Susan and I  were so moved by so much of it! I had to swallow hard through most of the evening.

Cori, the craft that goes into your songs is beyond description! I am endlessly provoked and deeply moved by your art!

And what a supporting cast!!! Each subtle musical contribution speaks volumes, and with such economy!

Bravo!!!

Best to all,
Michael D. Huff
Music Director, Salt Lake Symphonic Choir
Artistic Director, Festival of Gold™ Series
Heritage Festivals: http://www.heritagefestivals.com/
Special Event Director, Bowl Games of America
Liberty Bowl Half-time
http://www.bowlgamesofamerica.com
Immediate Past-President, Utah Chapter
American Choral Directors Association
http://www.acda-utah.org

 

Hi Cori,
Your performance with the Saints on the Seas production was fabulous!  I'm excited to get that CD and relive (cry/ laugh) through it again.  My husband and parents loved it too.  What a different perspective on the pioneers it gives, and insight into their character, even before many of them crossed the plains.  Your songs were very touching, and as I watched and listened, I thought what a wonderful talent you have been given and I'm so grateful you share it with others and bless many. 

Catherine Pitt

Saints on the Seas was AMAZING!!!!!   Thank you for sharing your beautiful talents with us, we are truly blessed by you!
Love,


Shannon Day, Kaysville

 

Hi Cori,

Your concert last week was FABULOUS!!!  I loved every minute of it, and can't wait to get the new CD in my hands once you get it completed.  Jaxine, my parents & I were there Friday night, and as always, I sat in awe the entire performance.  I was going to give you a hug afterwards and say hello, but couldn't get through your throng of adoring fans (of which I am one).

Thank you again and again for sharing your magnificent gifts with us!!  We all came away better people being blessed with the spirit of the performance.

Fondly,


Georgia McGuire, Heber City

 

Thursday night’s concert was OUTSTANDING!  What a treat! Sitting on the second row to watch you…oh my Gosh!  And Carla Eskelsen…she is gorgeous! What a super, super treat!  You are a dear, a talented angel. Thank you, thank you, thank you.

Barbara Rencher, Farmington

 

Cori,

We loved the production last week - it brought back a lot of memories! Thanks for doing it!

Clark and Kathleen Hinckley, Salt Lake City

 

 

Cori-

I was so glad I had the opportunity to be a part of the wonderful show!  If nothing more than just to watch each night was incredible. Thanks again for the experience!

Neil Miller, Director Farmington Parks and Recreation

 

Dear Cori,

Just wanted to thank you for inviting me to your brilliant rendition of Saints on the Seas last night.  It caught me off guard in many respects, all of them tender and sweet.  I loved the intimacy of the program and felt like that is how 'they' would have performed it. Kudos to you once more talented lady.  It's an honor to know ya'.  I don't want to wait years to see you again so let me know what's next.  Love you loads,

DeAnn Sadleir Savage
Co-Director of the Seatrek Foundation, sponsors of Seatrek 2001

 

Dear Cori-

My father, who will be 93 nest week came with me last night.  He has played the mandolin since he was ten. He loved the whole show (didn’t fall asleep once ;))
He said he especially liked the voice of the “alto”.

As for me, I can’t decide who is more charming ~ David or John!
Once again~ WONDERFUL!

Clytie Adams, Kaysville

 

Dear Cori, and Company,

We attended your presentation of Saints on the Seas last night and enjoyed it completely.  The music and lyrics and stories were great – entertaining, meaningful and emotionally engaging.  They were performed wonderfully.  Thanks to all of you for sharing your creativity and musical talents.  It was a beautiful tribute to the immigrant pioneers.

Thanks, and Best Wishes!

Laur and Paula Barker, Farmington

 

Dear Cori-

What a delightful performance we attended last Thursday evening.  You truly bring light to the world and enrich the lives of all who know you.

Thank you for using your beautiful gift of music to teach and edify!  You are Amazing!

Louise Inderrieden, Kaysville

 

Dear Cori,

Your musical journey of faith – “Saints on the Seas” was wonderful!  The music was exceptional, the voices perfect for the songs, and your choice of instruments so fitting for the songs.  The journal entries, the costumes, and the narrations all made it fit together so nicely.

Each song touched me deeply, but “If You Were Mine” caused tears to flow freely. The love, admiration and appreciation I have for our ancestors overwhelms me.  How blessed we are to have such valiant, strong ancestors.  Through their sacrifices and tears , they’ve made it possible for us to enjoy multiple blessings in our lives.

Many of my ancestors came from Denmark, Scotland, Wales and Great Britain.  They crossed the sea, then joined the wagon and handcart teams to cross the plains…. Their spirits linger for us.  It was so good to experience the songs, words and music of our past.  It was wonderful!

Sandy Holman, Bountiful

Cori:

We didn't get a chance to talk with you after the concert, but Bart and I both wanted you and the entire ensemble to know how much we enjoyed the presentation.  We were entertained, uplifted and touched!  Our only regret was that we had not attended the first night so that we could come again and bring EVERYONE with us to enjoy such excellence.  We are hoping you will stage it again so that those of us who saw it this time can share it with others.  What an amazing gift you have with words.  Your lyrics move the listener beyond surface cliche to something much more reflective and meaningful.  Thank you for allowing us to experience something so wonderful -- it was the highlight of our summer.

Love,
Bart and Gwen Hill, Farmington