Utah Symphony

The Utah Symphony is an American orchestra established in 1940 and primarily based in Salt Lake City, Utah, performing at Abravanel Hall. Its origins trace back to the Great Depression as part of the Federal Music Project, an employment assistance program. Initially formed as the Utah State Sinfonietta with five members by Reginald Beales, the group expanded and toured extensively throughout Utah. Federal funding ceased by 1940, leading local music enthusiasts to form the Utah State Symphony Orchestra on April 4, 1940. Hans Henriot was appointed conductor for their first concert on May 8, 1940, and subsequently contracted to direct the orchestra, which grew to 52 part-time musicians.

In 1947, Maurice Abravanel assumed the role of the orchestra’s music director. Under his leadership, the ensemble transitioned into a full-time orchestra and gained national recognition through extensive recordings and tours. Abravanel’s tenure saw the orchestra record with Vanguard Records and Vox Records, including complete symphony cycles of Mahler and Tchaikovsky. His Mahler recordings earned him the “Mahler Medal of Honor” from the Bruckner Society of America in 1965 and the International Gustav Mahler Society award for “Best Mahler Recording” in 1975 for the Fifth Symphony. The orchestra’s music education program also expanded significantly during this period, offering educational concerts across the Intermountain West and in the Salt Lake Valley. Abravanel concluded his 32-year tenure in 1979.

The Utah Symphony moved into Symphony Hall (renamed Abravanel Hall in 1993) in 1979, its first dedicated concert venue. The orchestra’s season became year-round by 1980. Key music directors included Varujan Kojian (1980–1983), Joseph Silverstein (1983–1998), and Keith Lockhart (1998–2009). In July 2002, the Utah Symphony and Utah Opera governing boards merged the two organizations, forming Utah Symphony | Utah Opera, one of the few merged symphony and opera companies in the United States at the time. Thierry Fischer served as music director from September 2009 until August 2023. Recent leadership announcements include David Robertson as the inaugural Creative Partner (2023-2024 season), Markus Poschner as Music Director-designate (effective 2027-2028 season), and Delyana Lazarova as Principal Guest Conductor (effective 2025-2026 season). The orchestra continues to perform subscription concerts, accompanies the Utah Opera, and has a summer residency at the Deer Valley Music Festival.