The concert marks the last de Jong Concert Hall performance for director Randy Boothe after 43 years with the ensemble
The BYU Young Ambassadors will present their new show “Souvenirs” — a tribute to their past and future travels — in two performances on Feb. 29.
“Performing in the de Jong Concert Hall every year has been a wonderful tradition for the Young Ambassadors, and I’m thrilled to present this year’s company,” said artistic director Randy Boothe. “This is the last chance to see them on campus before they travel to Japan in a few weeks.”
The ensemble is comprised of 20 of the top singers and dancers across campus, as well as the 10 instrumentalists of the Young Ambassador Showband — directed by music professor Eric Hansen. 2020 marks 50 years since the Young Ambassadors first appeared at Expo ‘70 in Osaka, Japan, paving the way for countless experiences abroad for the group. In the decades following the expo, 1,700 Young Ambassadors have traveled to 68 countries, building friendships and a reputation of energetic excellence in song and dance.
“Souvenirs” continues the troupe’s longstanding tradition of showcasing some of the greatest musical hits in the entertainment world. The show will feature the songs of beloved stars and recording artists such as the Beatles, Stevie Wonder, Judy Garland, the Beach Boys and Frank Sinatra as well as numbers from Broadway favorites including “Hairspray,” “Spamalot,” “Crazy for You” and “Dear Evan Hansen.”
The February concerts are bittersweet for Boothe, as they will be his final de Jong performances before his retirement after 43 years of helming the internationally-acclaimed ensemble.
“I feel that this show is my best work in all my time here,” said Boothe. “I’m excited to sit and watch it, and I would love for audiences to come enjoy it with me.”
The ensemble will honor the legacies of Boothe, Hansen and generations of alums in a 50th anniversary celebration on March 28. The once-in-a-lifetime Marriott Center concert will bring many of these alums back to campus to perform with the current company and will feature special guest Marie Osmond.
Tickets and Show Details
Performance Dates and Times: Feb. 29 | 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.
Location: de Jong Concert Hall
Price: $9-13
Tickets: Available in person at the BYU HFAC or Marriott Center Ticket Office, by phone at (801) 422-2981 or online at byuarts.com