A few cuts here and there, some final taping--and it’s a wrap. BYU Broadcasting has packaged a birthday gift for Joseph Smith's 200th birthday anniversary. Two unique new programs from the BYU School of Music will use music to focus on the Prophet’s life and legacy on Friday, Dec. 23.
“The Book of Gold,” an original opera written by Glen Nelson and Murray Boren, combines new music with a very real, very human story. Nelson and Boren’s libretto and musical finesse intensify the dramatic story of the coming forth of the Book of Mormon.
“The Book of Gold” airs on BYU Television at 7:30 p.m. and on KBYU-TV at 9 p.m.
“That’s what I love about this libretto.” said Jennifer Welch-Babidge of the Metropolitan Opera, who plays Emma Smith, the supporting role to her husband Darrel Babidge’s character, Joseph, “You see Emma in her full glory: everything she feels, everything she goes through, how strong she was, and the same for Lucy Mack Smith.”
For those with an interest in instrumental and choral music, “Blessed Be His Name,” a high-energy present featuring BYU’s most prestigious musical performance groups, will also make a premiere on Joseph’s bicentennial anniversary.
BYU’s Philharmonic Orchestra, Wind Symphony, BYU Singers and Concert Choir perform musical praises through new works by Robert Cundick, Mack Wilberg, Stephen Jones and Murray Boren. “Blessed Be His Name” airs on BYU Television at 10:30 a.m. and on KBYU-TV at 7:30 p.m.
Further details on Joseph Smith programming is available on BYU Broadcasting’s Web site: www.byubroadcasting.org. For more information, contact Jim Bell at (801) 422-8427.
Writer: Jim Bell
