Anniversary concert to feature original hymns

Intermountain Catholic

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BOUNTIFUL — Anticipating the 75th anniversary celebration of St. Olaf Catholic Parish in Bountiful, a hymn-writing competition took place at the end of last year to encourage composition of a new piece that would allow the parishioners to sing “something that represents our parish, something that reflects the joy of celebrating our parish anniversary,” said Holly Norman Dodge, the parish’s music director, in an interview last year.

More than a dozen pieces from all over the Catholic Diocese of Salt Lake City were submitted for the contest, which was open to people of all ages, backgrounds and nationalities.

“We got pieces from Saints Peter and Paul [Parish], from Saint Vincent de Paul [Church] from our own parish [St. Olaf], and even from composers that are not Catholic,” said Dodge, who was the brain behind the idea of the hymn-writing competition.

Among the criteria for the winning composition were that it be within the capabilities of an average congregation to sing, and that the text be appropriate for a Roman Catholic parish.

From the entries, the first place was awarded to Michael Moody.

“His piece is in a traditional hymn style,” Dodge said.

Moody, who is not Catholic, captivated the judging panel with his piece titled “Within These Walls,” Dodge said.

The composition is now part of the parish’s hymnal. It will be formally presented during the concert celebration on May 27.  

“I am super-excited for the 75th anniversary celebrations,” Dodge said. “It is going to be a very joyful and exciting day. I am really looking forward to it.”

The concert will take place at the parish. In addition to “Within These Walls,” other pieces that were submitted for the competition will be presented.

“We will also have the choir ‘Jubilate’ presenting their music, and a quartet too, so different forces will come and join together to do this concert,” Dodge said.

Also as part of the celebration, the St. Olaf choir will perform, and for this event it is open to anyone who wants to participate at the concert celebration.

“We are inviting anyone that wants to come and rehearse with us,” Dodge said.

Choir rehearsals for the concert will take place on Thursdays, May 10, 17 and 24 at 6 p.m. at the parish. The concert will be at 6 p.m. on May 27.