Ten years ago, the Southwest Symphony began an exciting new chapter under the baton of Maestro Lucas Darger. This season, that journey reaches a significant milestone as the symphony returns to its newly renovated home at the America First Performing Arts Center. This new era is also being celebrated with a fresh logo and an updated website to better serve the community. Tickets are already available at swsutah.org and are selling quickly.
The season kicks off on September 18 with A New Era: The Inaugural Concert. This performance offers the first chance to experience the breathtaking acoustics of the renovated hall. The evening features internationally acclaimed cellist Steven Sharp Nelson of The Piano Guys. The program bridges the classical and the contemporary, ranging from Beethoven’s Fifth and the 1812 Overture to the electric energy of “Secrets” and “Kung Fu Panda.”
On October 23 and 24, audiences can enjoy A Night at the Oscars featuring Hollywood bagpiper Eric Rigler. As a musician who helped create some of cinema’s most iconic soundtracks, Rigler will join the symphony for Academy Award-winning favorites from Titanic, Braveheart, The Lord of the Rings, and How to Train Your Dragon.
The holiday season brings Sounds of the Season on December 11 and 12. This polished performance skips the clichés to focus on great seasonal music, including Sleigh Ride, selections from The Nutcracker, and moving renditions of O Holy Night and Silent Night.
In the spring, the symphony explores the raw power of Shostakovich’s Symphony No. 5 on March 5. This concert also looks toward the future of music by showcasing the gold medalist of the Southwest Symphony’s Young Artist Competition and featuring a special collaboration with the Zion Youth Symphony.
The tradition continues on April 2 and 3 with Rob Gardner’s Lamb of God. This sacred Easter oratorio, which tells the story of the final days of Jesus Christ through music and narration, will feature local soloists and a combined choir. The season concludes on April 30 with Cho-Liang Lin Plays Brahms, featuring one of the most distinguished violinists of our time alongside Beethoven’s Symphony No. 6, the “Pastoral.”
Whether you are a longtime patron or a first-time attendee, this milestone season promises to be unforgettable. Music lovers are encouraged to secure their Crescendo Club memberships, Saturday Serenade tickets, or individual concert seats soon at swsutah.org.
