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Orchestra professionals from across the United States will gather in Salt Lake City for the League of American Orchestras conference in June.
This will be the first time the league has met in Utah's capital. At a moment of challenge and change for the arts, these industry professionals from musicians to administrators will be able to connect and learn from each other.
Building community
"We are excited to welcome our colleagues from across the country to Salt Lake City for the 2025 League of American Orchestras' National Conference," said Utah Symphony | Utah Opera President & CEO Steve Brosvik, who holds The O.C. Tanner Chair.
Participants will hear from prestigious keynote speakers such as opera icon Renée Fleming and attend workshops, performances, and networking events.
"We can't wait to showcase the exceptional musicianship of our orchestra, the warmth and hospitality of our community and the stunning landscapes of our state — elements that make Utah's arts scene truly one-of-a-kind," Brosvik said.
Conference attendees are invited to attend the Utah Symphony's performance of Korngold's Violin Concerto June 12 and 13 at 7:30 p.m. at Abravanel Hall — the venue that made headlines over the past year and was named to the National Register of Historic Places in 2024. Utah locals can also purchase tickets for this concert and enjoy the rare opportunity to share the hall with musicians and arts leaders from across the country.
Focus on the future
The league's 80th annual conference, June 11-13, is named "Ascend!" to reflect the event's focus on the future. Many arts organizations have recently lost federal funding and are continuing to rebuild audiences in the post-Covid era; USUO models a story of success for its industry peers, boasting record-breaking ticket sales for the past two years.
"Utah Symphony | Utah Opera has been successful at growing audiences in recent years for all of our programming series, from symphonic masterworks to opera, film, and special concerts designed especially for families," Brosvik said. "Utah Symphony | Utah Opera is a beloved institution, celebrated by Utahns young and old. But we are constantly striving to connect with new audiences, as our state booms."
Utah was recently recognized as one of the top five fastest growing states in the nation. That growth is attributed, in part, to people moving to Utah from other states.
Passing the baton
Those attending the June 12 and 13 concerts will get to see Music Director Emeritus Thierry Fischer, who led the orchestra from 2009 to 2023, back on the podium. Fischer helmed the orchestra during a period of significant recordings and notable tours, including the "Mighty 5" and "The Great American Road Trip," which took the orchestra to national and state parks across Utah.
With Fischer on the podium in June, League attendees will be able to experience the close relationship he developed with the symphony over his 15-year tenure.
Last fall, USUO announced that celebrated European conductor Markus Poschner will become music director of the Utah Symphony starting in the 2027-28 season.
Music from around the world
The June 12 and 13 concerts feature composers and musicians from around the world. Korngold's violin concerto will be performed by South Korean-German violinist Clara-Jumi Kang in her Utah Symphony debut. Austrian-born composer Erich Korngold moved to Hollywood in the 1930s and is considered one of the founders of film music; the violin concerto echoes his cinematic style.
The evening's multicultural program also includes works by Mexican composers Gabriela Ortiz and Silvestre Revueltas, calling for a wide variety of percussion instruments. "Ameriques," by French-born composer Edgar Varèse requires sirens, paying homage to the sounds of New York City, where the work was composed.
The Utah Symphony was the first to record "Ameriques," under the baton of Maurice Abravanel, in 1966.
A pre-concert talk, beginning at 6:45 p.m. on June 12 and 13 in the First Tier Room of Abravanel Hall, will provide an opportunity for all audience members to ask guest artists and musicians questions.
For more information, go to utahsymphony.org.
