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Show Messiaen honored with Bronze Plaque PAROWAN - Art patrons and music lovers met Saturday August 5 in Pa rowan to attend programs and ceremonies honoring French composer Olivier Messiaen. Messiaen visited this area in 1973 and returned home to France to write a beautiful symphonic work, from the canyons to the stars. He was honored in Parowan with a bronze plaque being placed on a majestic white cliff, naming the cliff Mount Messiaen in his honor. A large crowd attended the ceremonies in the beautiful mountain area. Dedication prayer was given by Kendall Gurr, with remarks by councilwomen Frankie Lou Bentley. A ribbon cutting ceremony was held and the bronze plaque unveiled. A special program was presented in the Parowan High School auditorium with music by soprano Naomi Farr and pianist Lowell Farr. Mrs. Farr has sung with the New York Opera, the Boston Opera, the NBC Symphony, the Utah Symphony and the Cin-cinnatti Cin-cinnatti Sumphony. Mr. Farr has appeared both in this country and abroad in solo recitals and as assisting artist to a number of noted violinists, celloists and singers. The Farrs are currently on the faculty of the University of Utah faculty, where in addition to their performing and private teaching responsibilities. They are co-directors co-directors of University of Utah Opera theater. Parowan 1st, 2nd and 3rd Ward combined choirs sang "This is my Country" and Mrs. Brenda Adams sang a solo. A beautiful art exhibit of Jean Cartiers photographic works of southern Utah was featured in the high school commons after the program. A reception was held in the lovely gardens of Edison and Lamar Whitaker after the program and art show. The Whitakers and their daughters Julie and Linda and son Lyman have spearheaded the "Utah Salutes Messiaen" day in Parowan along with the mayor Jim Robinson and a committree of townspeople. All activities were very successful over 150 people were served at the rec-peiton. rec-peiton. A telegram with signatures of many patrons was sent to Olivier Messiaen to tell him of the success of the event. |