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Dear friends,
Each year, as I prepare for the show, I try to come up with a theme—not just to give the show’s song order some structure, but to convey a message during this special time of year that will resonate with you long after the concert ends. “Joy to the World,” “Peace on Earth,” “One Silent Night,” and “Home for the Holidays” are some of the obvious choices I’ve used in the past. Rather than simply state it, let me illustrate with a simple exercise:
But therein lies this year’s theme: UNITY. As the classic Christmas song says, “kids from one to ninety-two.” Those who rarely attend the same musical concerts somehow feel comfortable coming to my annual holiday performances to enjoy the same music and unite in love, peace, and joy of the season. In a time of such division and polarization, the magic of Christmas this year reminds us that we all yearn for that spirit of unity, harmony, and togetherness.
Since you’re already here, my unifying goal has somewhat already been achieved. Now, allow the sweet strains of your favorite carols to transport you back to cherished memories of Christmases past.
I wish you and your loved ones all the very best this holiday season. Merry Christmas, and thank you so much for being here tonight.
Warm regards, Kurt
Photo
Credit: Cat Palmer Photograph
ABOUT KURT
Kurt Bestor is a two-time Emmyaward-winning and Grammynominated composer who, for more than 40 years, has composed and arranged music in a myriad of styles and genres. His accomplishments include numerous feature-length film scores, almost 20 popular albums, and memorable themes for national television themes, as well as a mix of live shows and commissioned works for choirs and orchestras.
As a gifted performer, Bestor has performed his popular Christmas shows for 36 years to sold-out audiences throughout the western United States. People from Seattle to Dallas have enjoyed his easy-going manner and rapport with the audience, as well as his distinctive arrangements of Yuletide favorites. When not performing his own music, Kurt spends much of his time arranging and producing music for a myriad of singers and instrumentalists including Kelly O’Hara, Nathan Gunn, Jenny Oaks Baker, Megan Hilty, Andrea Bocelli, Caroline Campbell, and Brian Stokes Mitchell among many others.
Bestor has also performed internationally, conducting and performing with the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra and Choir, Utah Symphony, the Cape Cod Philharmonic, and the Estonian National Orchestra, among others. He recently completed a commissioned composition (by AFCO’s Craig Jessop), which is a 5-movement work for choir, brass, woodwinds, percussion, and 2 pianos, titled “John F. Kennedy: Rise, Fall, and Immortality.” It was premiered at the ACDA Convention in Dallas to celebrate the 50th Anniversary of Kennedy’s assassination. He is currently composing an original piece for narrator and orchestra titled “Hamon E and the Missing Key” which he hopes to premier in 2024.
His first Christmas album is also his latest as he has remastered and rereleased “An Airbus Christmas,” by far his most popular album and one which further cements the celebrated composer as a beloved contributor to the popular holiday music anthology.
Bestor makes his home in Salt Lake City with his wife Petrina and daughter Ella, where they spend much time hiking, skiing, and camping in the picturesque mountains surrounding his home.
Photo Credit: Cat Palmer
Photograph
KURT’S THANK YOU
Iknow my name is in the concert title “A Kurt Bestor Christmas” but it really is inaccurate. The only way a show like this lasts for three and a half decades is because I am smart enough to surround myself with the best people. From amazing musicians like Mike Dowdle and Eric Valentine to Salt Lake’s finest free-lance musician like Daron Bradford on woodwinds and Monte Belknap on violin, Then my crack audio team of Bob Abeyta and Eric “The Viking” make sure the whole things sounds “pro” while Matt and the guys from Cornerstone dazzle you with their lighting and stage design. There are a group of people who one might call my “Peeps” who work hard from mid-summer until the final concert note to make sure I am where I am supposed to be, everyone gets paid on time and we sweep up after ourselves here at the Eccles - that’s you Kevin, Eric, et.al.! I also have the BEST sponsors who help get the word out about the show. Sandy at Minky Couture and Patrick at Black Desert - much thanks to you and your companies. Lastly - before it “takes a village” to put on my yearly show, it takes a family. To my mom, sisters, daughters, extended clan and my incredibly understanding wife, Petrina - you all keep me grounded and loved.
Photo
Credit: Cat Palmer
Photograph
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An independent private school offering preschool through eighth grade
ALEX SHARPE
Alex Sharpe is an acclaimed Irish soprano with a career spanning musical theatre, concert halls, and international touring stages.
Best known as a former principal singer with the Grammy-nominated ensemble CELTIC WOMAN, she appears on their ‘Songs From The Heart’ PBS Special and has toured extensively with them throughout North America from 2008 – 2010 and briefly rejoined the group in 2015 for their 10th Anniversary tour. As a member of the group, she has appeared on prime-time TV shows such as ‘Dancing With The Stars’ The Regis & Kelly Show, The Today Show and the National Christmas Tree Lighting 2009.
Her professional journey commenced at 19 when she attended an open audition for the role of ‘Dorothy’ in THE WIZARD OF OZ at Dublin’s Olympia Theatre in Ireland. This launched an international career in theatre playing lead roles such as ‘Eponine’ in LES MISERABLES, originating the role of ‘Bernadette’ in Andrew Lloyd Webber’s world premiere of THE BEAUTIFUL GAME, ‘Tess’ in the world premiere of FIND YOUR WAY HOME, New York and most recently ‘Bridge Kelly’ in PARCEL FROM AMERICA, Ireland which is due to make it’s U.S debut in NYC 2026.
As a soloist Alex has appeared with the R.T.E Concert Orchestra, BBC Philharmonic, The Halle, Birmingham City Orchestra, Upper Canada Chorus, The Tabernacle Choir at Temple Square, A Kurt Bestor Christmas, American Festival Chorus & Orchestra and the Annapolis Chamber Orchestra & Chorale
ALEX SHARPE
December 2021-23, she performed as guest soloist for the WITNESESS OF CHRISTMAS concert for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints and from 2022–2024 she has been the special guest for JOY TO THE WORLD produced and starring Grammy nominated violinist Jenny Oaks Baker.
As a recording artist her solo projects include BE STILL MY SOUL and the EP BROKEN BY DESIGN.
She has been a guest soloist on NOEL by Jenny Oaks Baker, JOYFUL by Brett Pruneau, LEAD ME HOME, SACRED LULLABIES by Camile Nelson and CELTIC DREAMING with CaraNua whom she co-founded with former Celtic Woman colleague Lynn Hilary. She also contributed to the ‘EVITA’ film soundtrack alongside Madonna.
Since 2023 Alex has been touring the U.S with her own show HEART OF IRELAND and November 2025 will see the release of THE SECRET OF CHRISTMAS Alex’s debut Christmas album produced and arranged by Jay Nygarrd.
MÁIRÉAD NESBITT
AGrammy® and Emmy® nominated artist, Máiréad Nesbitt has enchanted millions around the world as the featured violinist and founding member of the globetrotting music phenomenon Celtic Woman. Loyal fans of all ages, across geographical and cultural boundaries far beyond the musical heritage of Ireland have adored her beguiling stage presence and versatile instrumental talents. She is the featured violin soloist on eleven Celtic Woman albums all of which reached the number one slot on the Billboard World Music Chart.
Hailed as “A demon of a fiddle player” by the New York Times, Máiréad has emerged as one of Ireland’s most in-demand musicians. Her multitude of awards include Irish Music Magazine’s Best Traditional and Multi-Instrumentalist Artist awards.
Growing up in a multi-generational musical family in County Tipperary, her parents are renown music educators and all five of her siblings are award winning musicians!
She is the former all-Ireland fiddle champion and past member of the National Youth Orchestra of Ireland. Máiréad completed her studies at CIT, Cork School of Music under Cornelia Zanidache and at the London Royal Academy, with post-graduate studies under Emanuel Hurwitz on both violin and piano.
Having launched her professional career at the tender age of sixteen with the prestigious RTÉ Concert Orchestra, Máiréad’s playing was subsequently featured on the original soundtrack of Riverdance. She can also be heard on the soundtracks for Lord of the Dance, and Feet of Flames having toured with both productions. Additionally, Máiréad composed the original music score for Irish Dance Invasion, which is featured on the Celtic Tenors’ Live in Concert DVD.
MÁIRÉAD NESBITT
Máiréad’s own solo albums, Raining Up and Hibernia, have garnered success globally on the Billboard music charts. Her Devil’s Bit Sessions album was recorded in the threehundred-year-old Nesbitt family home in County Tipperary, Ireland and features three generations of her family. The newest album, Celtic Spells, features music from her eponymous immersive show, which is currently being playing to sold out audiences across the USA.
Having performed at both the White House and the Pentagon for four U.S. presidents, she has additionally performed at world-class venues including: Carnegie Hall, Radio City Music Hall, Red Rocks Colorado and Hyde Park in London.
Máiréad’s distinctive blend of traditional Irish and classical styles can be heard with her collaboration with such international artists as: Nigel Kennedy, Van Morrison, Sinéad O’Connor, Clannad, Emmylou Harris, Aslan, Chris De Burgh, Jimmy Webb, Sharon Shannon, Paul Brady, Frances Black, Cooney and Begley, Jimmy McCarthy and Dónal Lunny’s Coolfin.
In 2018 Máiréad made her Broadway debut in the multi-genre spectacular Rocktopia, which enjoyed a sold out run. An annual guest soloist at Carnegie Hall with renowned artists Syblle Szaggers Redford and the Tim Janis Ensemble, Máiréad is featured on Janis’ album Celtic Lands
Máiréad has a close working relationship with Disney®, having been the featured violin soloist on the soundtracks for both Tinker Bell and Tinker Bell and the Lost Treasure. In 2022, she recorded a special Celtic music segment for Harmonious, Disney’s new Epcot presentation. She later recreated this performance for the first-ever live broadcast on the Disney+ network.
Máiréad splits her time between homes in both Ireland and the USA. She maintains an active teaching studio and is the creator of a line of Celtic violins, sold worldwide through music retailers and on her website, MaireadNesbitt.com.
BESTOR’S FESTIVE TRIVIA
While you wait for the concert to begin, test your knowledge related to Christmas, tonight’s annual holiday concert, and all things “Kurt Bestor.”
1. What was the name of the first Kurt Bestor Christmas?
• “A Kurt Bestor Christmas”
• “Jingle Your Bells with Bestor”
• “An Airus Christmas”
• “Claus for Celebration”
2. Which musician has played with Kurt on every one of the 38 shows
• Todd Sorenson (percussion)
• Michael Dowdle (guitar)
• Carlitos del Puerto (bass)
• Daron Bradford (LOTS of woodwinds)
3. Which singer did NOT appear in “A Kurt Bestor Christmas?”
• Debbie Gibson
• Melissa Manchester
• Marie Osmond
• Lexi Walker
4. Match the following musicians with their home state/country
• Carlitos del Puerto Gresham, Oregon
• Todd Sorenson Washington D.C.
• Eric Valentine Havana, Cuba
• Mike Dowdle Provo, Utah
5. What is Kurt’s LEAST favorite Christmas food
• Brussel Sprouts
• Fruit Cake
• Egg Nog
• Stuffing
6. For which celebrity did Kurt do his first paid arrangement?
whose generosity supports the extraordinary experiences at the Eccles Theater.
George S. and Dolores Doré Eccles Foundation
Delta Air Lines
Call-Maggelet Foundation
Dell Loy and Julie Hansen
Katharine B. and the late Robert H. Garff
Ken Garff Automotive Group
Larry H. and Gail Miller Family Foundation
Layton Construction
McCarthey Family Foundation
O.C. Tanner
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Foundation and City Creek Reserve, Inc.
Wells Fargo
AUDIENCE INFORMATION
ASSISTIVE LISTENING DEVICES
FM Assistive Listening Devices are available free of charge at each performance on a first-come, first-served basis. Hearing aid compatible T-Loops are also available. Ask at Coat Check for details.
WHEELCHAIR SEATING
Ample wheelchair seating is available. Please inform Ticket Office representative when making your reservation that you require a wheelchair space or to request curbside assistance.
LATECOMERS
In consideration of patrons already seated, reserved seating will be accessible until curtain, after which alternate seating might be used. During some productions, late seating may not occur until an intermission. When traveling to performances, please allow ample time for traffic delays, road construction and parking.
CHILDREN
As a courtesy to other audience members, please ensure that children at performances are not disruptive during the show. Babes-in-arms are not permitted in the theatre during performances unless specifically indicated.
NO OUTSIDE FOOD OR DRINK
QUIET PLEASE
As a courtesy to performers on stage and to other audience members, please turn off cell phones, pagers, or any other noisemaking device. Also, please refrain from permitting concession items such as candy wrappers and water bottles to become noisy during the performance.
CLEANLINESS
Thank you for placing all refuse in waste receptacles as you exit the theater.
COPYRIGHT ADHERENCE
Unless otherwise stated and in compliance with copyright laws, it is strictly prohibited to take any photographs or any audio or video recordings of the performance.
NEED EXTRA LEG ROOM?
Let us know when making reservations, we can help.
EMERGENCY INFORMATION
In the event of an emergency, please remain seated and wait for instructions. Emergency exits are located on both sides of the house. Please identify the exit closest to your location. (Eccles-only) Patrons in wheelchairs should wheel to the closest elevator to the north or south where red signs read ‘Area of Rescue Assistance.’ First-responders will help you exit the building.
Dan Miller, President; Cynthia Bell Snow, Office Administrator; Jackie Medina, Art Director; Ken Magleby, Graphic Design; Patrick Witmer, Graphic Design/Web Developer; Paula Bell, Dan Miller, Advertising Representatives; Hudson Printing, Printer.
Kurt Bestor Christmas playbill is published by Mills Publishing, Inc., 772 East 3300 South, Suite 200, Salt Lake City, Utah 84106 Phone: 801.46.8833 Email: advertising@millspub.com Website: millspub.com Mills Publishing produces playbills for many performing arts groups. Advertisers do not necessarily agree or disagree with content or views expressed on stage. Please contact us for playbill advertising opportunities. Copyright 2025. PLEASE RECYCLE
Special Thanks To:
SPONSORS
Minky Couture
PRODUCTION CREDITS
Black Desert Resort / Reef Capital
FM 100
Utah Media Group
MagicSpace Entertainment
ArtTix
EXECUTIVE PRODUCER
Kevin Raleigh for Black Diamond Performance
PRODUCTION MANAGER
Eric Frankhouser
PRODUCTION DESIGN
Matt Endicott – Cornerstone Technologies
SOUND
Euphoric Beats
SOUND DESIGN / HOUSE ENGINEER
Bob Abeyta (w/ Eric Stoddard – Monitor mixer)
MERCHANDISE REPS
Alicia Archibald
MARKETING
Carrie Bunker for XFLUENCE MARKETING
PRODUCTION COODINATORS
Sara Monroe
FAZIOLI PIANO PROVIDED BY Baldassin Performance Pianos
Providing Christmas morning for children and young adults in need.
Each year, The Christmas Box International works with our generous community to fill Santa’s sleigh for children, teens, and young adults who have experienced abuse, neglect, or homelessness. Project Elf offers fun and meaningful opportunities for businesses, families, individuals, and community groups to make the holidays brighter—because every child deserves a Christmas.
SCAN THE CODE to learn more about how YOU can help this year— and about our Donation Drop-Off Locations.
• Donate GIFT CARDS—our $25 Walmart gift cards are our GREATEST NEED
• Donate NEW & UNWRAPED gifts from our Wish List or Amazon Christmas Wish List
• Monetary Donations are always welcome! Every child deserves a Christmas.
