Performed at the Covey Center for the Arts 425 West Center Street, Provo
IN PARTNERSHIP WITH:
A PREMIERE PERFORMANCE YOU WON’T FORGET
Don’t miss Utah Metropolitan Ballet’s limited performance of Tribute, a dynamic repertory production featuring the world premiere of an original work by international choreographer Vanessa Cook, winner of the 2025 Ariel Bybee Endowment Prize.
In a UMB collaboration with the Center for Latter-day Saint Arts, this powerful new piece features a commissioned score and sets by Utah artists. Experience an unforgettable evening of inspired dance, music, and artistry in this one-of-a-kind celebration of creative excellence.
WORLD PREMIERE BY VANESSA COOK
A Brief Collection of Moments is a new contemporary ballet by acclaimed British choreographer Vanessa Cook, created as the 2025 prize-winning commission of the Ariel Bybee Endowment at the Center for Latter-day Saint Arts.
Set to original music by composer Dylan Findley and featuring live vocal elements, the work builds in intensity through sweeping ensemble movement before resolving into a single voice in the darkness.
This powerful new ballet reflects the Endowment’s commitment to supporting bold artistic expression and bringing original works to the stage.
WHO WE'RE HONORING
ANGELA JOHNSON
Angela Johnson is an acclaimed sculptor whose work is known for its emotional depth, dramatic composition, and exquisite detail. She is the creator of the Light of the World Garden, the world’s largest sculptural collection depicting the life of Jesus Christ, featuring thirty-five monumental figures across fifteen scenes.
Her sculpture Come Unto Me received the prestigious Merit Award from the LDS Church Museum and is now part of the Church Art Collection.
Angela’s work has been exhibited widely and commissioned for numerous public and private projects. Guided by her lifelong devotion to Jesus Christ, she continues to create works that inspire faith and reflection.
HILARY WEEKS
Hilary Weeks is a beloved songwriter and recording artist whose music is known for its heartfelt message of faith, hope, and encouragement.
With fourteen albums to her name, she is inspired by people’s stories and seeks to express the emotions of the heart through music. Her songs aim to bring peace, comfort, and a reminder of God’s love to listeners.
Hilary and her husband Tim have been married for over thirty years and cherish time with their four daughters, three sons-in-law, and grandson.
TOM HOLDMAN
Tom Holdman is an internationally recognized glass artist and founder of Holdman Studios in Lehi, Utah.
Known for his large-scale stained glass works that blend art, history, and light, his most celebrated project is Roots of Knowledge, a 200-foot stained glass installation at Utah Valley University that took over a decade to complete. His work has also been featured in more than 50 temples of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and in major public spaces across the world.
Through his artistry, Holdman seeks to tell powerful stories through the unique partnership of glass, light, and design.
ARIEL BYBEE
Multitalented opera singer Ariel Bybee had a lifelong love of dance. During her career, she lived close to Lincoln Center with her family. They attended many New York City Ballet performances and knew many of the dancers there.
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In 1985, she performed as a guest vocal artist with the New York City Ballet. Dressed in costume, she sang while sharing the stage with the ballet dancers’ performance. To acknowledge Ariel’s connection to and love of dance, the Endowment commissions original dance work that incorporates live vocal performance.
TRIBUTE TESTIMONIALS
Tribute has always been my favorite UMB production. The variety of choreography and depth of artistry make it unforgettable. It’s the dancers’ ability to truly shine that keeps me coming back every year.
—LAWRENCE CHRISTENSON
I love that UMB brings these pieces from renowned choreographers right here to our own backyard. Every performance feels like a gift to the community.
—ELSHA DIAMSE
As a dancer, Tribute has always been one of the most fulfilling experiences of my career. The choreography challenges you, the artistry pushes you, and the connection with the audience is unforgettable. It’s a rare chance to perform world-class works in honor of the people who make it all possible.
—AMY COOK
Set to a stunning original score and brought to life by world-class dancers, Tribute is a moving celebration of artistic excellence.
