Utah Symphony | Utah Opera 2023-24 Season Brochure

2023–24 SEASON

UTAH SYMPHONY | UTAH OPERA

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At Utah Symphony | Utah Opera, we bring extraordinary music to life right before your eyes and ears—but that’s just the beginning. With our music, we tell stories. Our operas and films tell tales of romance, adventure, and imagined lands. Other stories are woven without words.

Fantastic fables and fundamental truths of love, loss, perseverance, family, and friendship are translated from silent sheet music to sounds that fill our concert hall and theatre— and leave us changed forever.

This season, we’ve chosen extraordinary stories to share with you, from Rimsky-Korsakov’s Scheherazade to Strauss’ Don Juan; from Disney’s Frozen to the classic Casablanca on the big screen; from the hilarious antics in Mozart’s The Marriage of Figaro to the children’s storybook The Little Prince on the opera stage; with Prokofiev’s beloved Peter and the Wolf introducing our youngest audiences to the storytelling power of a live symphony orchestra; and with pops artists like Audra McDonald embodying a wide range of characters through the songs they share.

This—and so much more—is waiting for you.

Join as we open the page to the story of our 2023-24 season.

Sincerely,

Steven Brosvik President & CEO Utah Symphony | Utah Opera

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CONTENTS MASTERWORKS

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Don’t miss three innovative programs developed and conducted by new Creative Partner David Robertson (see pages 6, 8, & 15)

OPERA

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POPS

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Formerly the Entertainment Series

FILMS IN CONCERT

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FAMILY

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NOORDA

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Our home at Utah Valley University

ITZHAK PERLMAN

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A celebratory evening!

SPECIAL EVENT CONCERTS

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PACKAGES & PRICING

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MASTERWORKS

Aubree Oliverson

DVOŘÁK’S “NEW WORLD” SYMPHONY & BARBER’S VIOLIN CONCERTO SEPTEMBER 15 & 16, 7:30 PM

MAURICE ABRAVANEL HALL

Ludovic Morlot, conductor Aubree Oliverson, violin DVOŘÁK: Symphony No. 9 “From the New World” BARBER: Violin Concerto RAVEL: Boléro With the expressive melodies of Dvořák’s universally popular “New World” Symphony and Ravel’s jazzinfluenced Boléro, our season-opener brings the power of American musical narratives to light. Utah native Aubree Oliverson joins with Barber’s Violin Concerto, known for its lyrical, flowing lines and a fiery finish!

All Masterworks performances take place on Fridays and Saturdays.

MASTERWORKS MAGNIFIED

Masterworks Magnified performances are designed to invite audiences to experience our music in new ways—with added elements like video projections and special lighting in the concert hall, conversations with the performers, and fun lobby activities on theme with the concert.

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BEETHOVEN’S PIANO CONCERTO NO. 5 “EMPEROR” Marie-Ange Nguci

FINISHING TOUCHES OPEN REHEARSAL

SEPTEMBER 22, 10 AM

SEPTEMBER 22 & 23, 7:30 PM

MAURICE ABRAVANEL HALL

Eduardo Strausser, conductor Marie-Ange Nguci, piano MOZART: Overture to Don Giovanni BEETHOVEN: Piano Concerto No. 5 “Emperor” PROKOFIEV: Symphony No. 5 Mozart’s Overture to Don Giovanni foreshadows the fate that awaits an unrepentant villain. This epic warning is contrasted with two works that herald a banner of freedom—Beethoven’s grand “Emperor” Concerto and Prokofiev’s expressive Symphony No. 5.

MASTERWORKS MAGNIFIED

RACHMANINOFF’S SYMPHONY NO. 2

& LISZT WITH PIANIST JOYCE YANG Joyce Yang

OCTOBER 19, 7:30 PM

UVU’S NOORDA CENTER FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS, OREM

OCTOBER 20, 7:30 PM OCTOBER 21, 5:30 PM MAURICE ABRAVANEL HALL

Rune Bergmann, conductor Joyce Yang, piano SAINT-SAËNS: Danse macabre LISZT: Totentanz RACHMANINOFF: Symphony No. 2 Just before Halloween, one of the most notable figures in storytelling—Death—is summoned to dance, with Rachmaninoff’s towering Symphony No. 2, Liszt’s eerie Totentanz performed by audience favorite Joyce Yang, and Saint-Saëns’ bone-rattling Danse Macabre.

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MASTERWORKS

BEETHOVEN’S NINTH

NOVEMBER 3 & 4, 7:30 PM

MAURICE ABRAVANEL HALL

David Robertson, conductor BRUCKNER: Christus factus est BERG: Wozzeck, Act III BEETHOVEN: Symphony No. 9 “Choral” This program leads toward Beethoven’s idealized vision of humanity in the unparalleled Ninth Symphony, with its celebrated “Ode to Joy.” Starkly opposite Beethoven’s Ninth, the third act from Berg’s dark opera Wozzeck depicts the grimmest sides of the human experience in a semi-staged performance—altogether, representing the entirety of the mortal condition.

BRAHMS’ SYMPHONY NO. 2 Markus Poschner

NOVEMBER 17 & 18, 7:30 PM

MAURICE ABRAVANEL HALL

Markus Poschner, conductor MATHILDE WANTENAAR: Prélude à une nuit américaine R. STRAUSS: Death and Transfiguration BRAHMS: Symphony No. 2 Bubbly and vivacious, Brahms’ cheery Symphony No. 2 is the music you’ll want to try and capture in a bottle for a rainy day! Strauss’ Death and Transfiguration is a powerful tone poem exploring the ultimate mystery of what lies beyond earthly existence as it elegantly evolves from darkness to light.

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Awadagin Pratt

APPALACHIAN SPRING

& BACH WITH PIANIST AWADAGIN PRATT NOVEMBER 30, 7:30 PM

UVU’S NOORDA CENTER FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS, OREM

DECEMBER 1, 7:30 PM DECEMBER 2, 5:30 PM

MAURICE ABRAVANEL HALL

Teddy Abrams, conductor Awadagin Pratt, piano BACH: Keyboard Concerto in A Major, BWV 1055 JESSIE MONTGOMERY: Rounds for Piano and String Orchestra TEDDY ABRAMS: Overture to The Greatest COPLAND: Appalachian Spring Trail-blazing pianist Awadagin Pratt brings a delightful mix of old and new to the ivories! Teddy Abrams takes the podium, also leading the overture to his own rapopera about American boxing legend Muhammad Ali—and concluding with another classic story of the American dream, a frontier couple working together toward a brighter future in Copland’s Appalachian Spring.

Jessie Montgomery

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MASTERWORKS

David Robertson

DAVID ROBERTSON CONDUCTS

SCHUMANN’S “RHENISH” SYMPHONY

FINISHING TOUCHES OPEN REHEARSAL

DECEMBER 8, 10 AM

DECEMBER 8 & 9, 7:30 PM

MAURICE ABRAVANEL HALL

David Robertson, conductor SIBELIUS: En saga IVES: Three Places in New England SCHUMANN: Symphony No. 3 “Rhenish” Conductor and Creative Partner David Robertson leads us through a picturesque journey from the Rhine River (listen closely and you’ll hear the flowing water!), to the brisk atmosphere of Sibelius’ native Finland, and through Ives’ quaint soundscape of New England, with hints of American folk tunes and marching bands.

PRE-PERFORMANCE CHATS

Join us 45 minutes before each Masterworks performance for Pre-Performance Chats hosted by guest artists, musicians, and staff.

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Francesca Dego

BEETHOVEN’S SYMPHONY NO. 7

& MOZART’S VIOLIN CONCERTO NO. 3 JANUARY 4, 7:30 PM

UVU’S NOORDA CENTER FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS, OREM

JANUARY 5, 7:30 PM JANUARY 6, 5:30 PM

MAURICE ABRAVANEL HALL

David Danzmayr, conductor Francesca Dego, violin BEETHOVEN: Coriolan Overture MOZART: Violin Concerto No. 3 CARLOS SIMON: Fate Now Conquers BEETHOVEN: Symphony No. 7 Life is full of opposites: light and dark, hot and cold, triumph and tragedy.

Experience the duality of Beethoven’s Seventh Symphony, with its many contrasting moods—plus, the new work it inspired more than 200 years later.

Paired with one of Mozart’s greatest violin concertos, you have an evening of incomparable drama and joy.

David Danzmayr

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MASTERWORKS

Sir Stephen Hough

STEPHEN HOUGH PERFORMS STEPHEN HOUGH

WITH CONDUCTOR DONALD RUNNICLES JANUARY 12 & 13, 7:30 PM

MAURICE ABRAVANEL HALL

Donald Runnicles, conductor Stephen Hough, piano ELGAR: Cockaigne (In London Town) STEPHEN HOUGH: Piano Concerto (The World of Yesterday) (World Premiere; Utah Symphony co-commission) VAUGHAN WILLIAMS: Symphony No. 5 Turn back the clock to the decadence of pre-war Vienna that inspired The World of Yesterday—the first concerto by Sir Stephen Hough. Then, step further back into the boisterous world of the Edwardian era with Elgar’s Cockaigne. The final destination is Vaughan Williams’ Fifth Symphony, dubbed “Symphony of the Celestial City” for its radiance and sublime mystery.

Sir Donald Runnicles

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MASTERWORKS MAGNIFIED

PROKOFIEV’S VIOLIN CONCERTO NO. 1

WITH CONCERTMASTER MADELINE ADKINS Madeline Adkins

FEBRUARY 2, 7:30 PM FEBRUARY 3, 5:30 PM MAURICE ABRAVANEL HALL

Jun Märkl, conductor Madeline Adkins, violin R. STRAUSS: Macbeth PROKOFIEV: Violin Concerto No. 1 DVOŘÁK: In Nature’s Realm R. STRAUSS: Till Eulenspiegel’s Merry Pranks Prokofiev’s dreamlike Violin Concerto No. 1 is performed

by Concertmaster Madeline Adkins, bookended by two Strauss tone poems—capturing the tragedy of Shakespeare’s Macbeth and depicting the exploits of a mischievous trickster in Till Eulenspiegel’s Merry Pranks.

STRAUSS’ DON JUAN & A WORLD PREMIERE WITH PRINCIPAL TROMBONE MARK DAVIDSON

Mark Davidson

FEBRUARY 15, 7:30 PM

UVU’S NOORDA CENTER FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS, OREM

FEBRUARY 16 & 17, 7:30 PM

MAURICE ABRAVANEL HALL

Conner Gray Covington, conductor Mark Davidson, trombone HAYDN: Symphony No. 88 QUINN MASON: Trombone Concerto (World Premiere; Utah Symphony co-commission) R. STRAUSS: Don Juan BARBER: Symphony No. 1 Strauss’ Don Juan is a heartbreaking retelling of the lothario who searches for his soulmate until he succumbs to loneliness. The pain is exquisitely punctuated with the romantic melodies of Barber’s First Symphony. Plus, Principal Trombone Mark Davidson performs the world premiere of the lyrical new concerto written for him.

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MASTERWORKS

Tabea Zimmermann

TCHAIKOVSKY’S SYMPHONY NO. 2

& A CONCERTO WITH THE WORLD’S TOP VIOLIST FEBRUARY 23 & 24, 7:30 PM

MAURICE ABRAVANEL HALL

Lidiya Yankovskaya, conductor Tabea Zimmermann, viola RIMSKY-KORSAKOV: Suite from The Invisible City of Kitezh MICHAEL JARRELL: Émergences-Résurgences (U.S. Premiere; Utah Symphony co-commission) WEBER: Andante & Hungarian Rondo TCHAIKOVSKY: Symphony No. 2 Émergences-Résurgences was composed for the world’s foremost violist, Tabea Zimmermann, who gives its U.S. premiere.

Zimmermann also performs the Andante & Hungarian Rondo, an exciting return for a piece that Weber wrote for his brother. The program culminates with Tchaikovsky’s Second Symphony, distinctive for its Lidiya Yankovskaya use of Ukrainian folk tunes.

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Colin Currie

DANNY ELFMAN’S PERCUSSION CONCERTO

WITH COLIN CURRIE

FINISHING TOUCHES OPEN REHEARSAL

MARCH 22, 10 AM

MARCH 22 & 23, 7:30 PM

MAURICE ABRAVANEL HALL

David Danzmayr, conductor Colin Currie, percussion BRYCE DESSNER: Tromp Miniature DANNY ELFMAN: Percussion Concerto BRAHMS: Symphony No. 1 Danny Elfman’s Percussion Concerto—written for Colin Currie—showcases the vast range of moods percussion instruments can create. But when it comes to the finale: “It’s fast, it’s exciting, it’s fireworks, and it’s a roof-raiser,” says the acclaimed film composer.

The pairing with Brahms’ Romantic-era masterpiece places this program as one of our season favorites.

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MASTERWORKS

Sirena Huang

DVOŘÁK’S VIOLIN CONCERTO

MARCH 29 & 30, 7:30 PM

MAURICE ABRAVANEL HALL

Anna Rakitina, conductor Sirena Huang, violin SMETANA: Šárka from Má Vlast DVOŘÁK: Violin Concerto SIBELIUS: Symphony No. 1

Anna Rakitina

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Join us during Women’s History Month! Conducted by Anna Rakitina, featuring the international competitionwinning violinist Sirena Huang, and including Smetana’s Šárka—based on the Czech legend of an uprising of maidens—this program is a testament to the power of women.

GUITAR CELEBRATIONS:

JIJI PLAYS RODRIGO’S GUITAR CONCERTO Jiji

APRIL 19, 7:30 PM APRIL 20, 5:30 PM

MAURICE ABRAVANEL HALL

David Robertson, conductor Another Night on Earth, guitar ensemble Jiji, guitar Joe Gore, guitar Daniele Gottardo, guitar Steven Mackey, guitar Gretchen Menn, guitar James Moore, guitar Heiko Ossig, guitar HENDRIX/ARR. STEVE MACKEY: “Foxy Lady” ARR. JOE GORE & DAVID ROBERTSON: Falling Through Time: Music from the 1300s (April 19) JAMES MOORE: Sleep is Shattered for Electric Guitar and Orchestra (April 20) STEVE MACKEY: Concerto for Guitar and Orchestra ARR. LEO BROUWER: Beatlerianas (From Yesterday to Penny Lane) DANIELE GOTTARDO: Concertino for Guitar and Orchestra RODRIGO: Concierto de Aranjuez ZAPPA: G-Spot Tornado The most famous guitar concerto there is, Rodrigo’s Concierto de Aranjuez will be performed by the guitarist and DJ so talented she only needs one name, Jiji. Altogether, seven sensational electric and acoustic guitarists take the spotlight with arrangements of music by The Beatles and Jimi Hendrix, and works with influences from the Renaissance to rock.

This program is part of our Guitar Celebrations Festival , bringing the extraordinary acoustic and electric guitarists of Another Night on Earth—including Creative Partner David Robertson—to our community for a week of genre-bending performances and education programs.

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MASTERWORKS

Ingrid Fliter

MASTERWORKS MAGNIFIED

RAVEL’S PIANO CONCERTO IN G

WITH INGRID FLITER

APRIL 26 & 27, 7:30 PM

MAURICE ABRAVANEL HALL

Aziz Shokhakimov, conductor Ingrid Fliter, piano POLINA NAZAYKINSKAYA: Winter Bells RAVEL: Piano Concerto in G PROKOFIEV: Selections from Romeo and Juliet

Aziz Shokhakimov

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Ravel’s Piano Concerto in G is a fitting testament to his unique genius—and pianist Ingrid Fliter’s profound musicianship and charisma is a perfect match for this breathtaking tour-de-force.

Prokofiev’s Romeo and Juliet acts as a masterclass for storytelling through music.

Wendy Bryn Harmer

SCHEHERAZADE

FINISHING TOUCHES OPEN REHEARSAL

MAY 17, 10 AM

MAY 17, 7:30 PM MAY 18, 5:30 PM

MAURICE ABRAVANEL HALL

Elena Schwarz, conductor Wendy Bryn Harmer, soprano LOTTA WENNӒKOSKI: Hava RAVEL: Shéhérazade RIMSKY-KORSAKOV: Scheherazade The story of Scheherazade and the tales she weaves over 1,001 nights to placate a wrathful sultan is so captivating that it set off the imaginations of many brilliant minds, including Rimsky-Korsakov and Ravel.

Sumptuous melodies and fantastical soundscapes define Rimsky-Korsakov’s beloved orchestral suite, and Utah Opera regular Wendy Bryn Harmer performs Ravel’s lovely song cycle. This dual exploration is beautifully complemented by Lotta Wennäkoski’s Hava, inspired by music’s ability to examine themes from different angles.

Elena Schwarz

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MASTERWORKS

Anne Akiko Meyers

ANNE AKIKO MEYERS PLAYS “FANDANGO”

MAY 24 & 25, 7:30 PM

MAURICE ABRAVANEL HALL

Giancarlo Guerrero, conductor Anne Akiko Meyers, violin JENNIFER HIGDON: Fanfare Ritmico ARTURO MÁRQUEZ: Fandango COPLAND: Symphony No. 3 The Spanish fandango finds new life in Márquez’s sparkling concerto, written for and performed by one of the world’s most esteemed violinists, Anne Akiko Meyers.

Copland’s monumental Symphony No. 3, which began on a trip to a Mexican village, is instantly recognizable for the famous Fanfare for the Common Man.

SUBSCRIBE TODAY! FIND SEASON-TICKET PACKAGES ON PAGE 42.

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Travis Peterson, Principal Trumpet Photo credit: Ian Mower for Utah Symphony

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OPERA

PUCCINI’S

LA BOHÈME

OCTOBER 7, 9, 11, 13, & 15

JANET QUINNEY LAWSON CAPITOL THEATRE

Robert Tweten, conductor Garnett Bruce, director When a neighbor in need knocks at the door, the lives of four starving artists in Paris are changed forever.

Featuring some of opera’s best-known music, this timeless classic captures the thrill and the devastation of young love.

Sung in Italian with English supertitles Rated PG-13 for mature themes.

Join us one hour before the curtain at each Utah Opera production for Pre-Performance Chats with Principal Coach Dr. Carol Anderson.

Photo credit: Dana Sohm for Utah Opera 20

RACHEL PORTMAN & NICHOLAS WRIGHT’S

THE LITTLE PRINCE

JANUARY 20, 22, 24, 26, & 28

JANET QUINNEY LAWSON CAPITOL THEATRE

Benjamin Manis, conductor Tara Faircloth, director Choristers from The Madeleine Choir School In a magical adaptation of the beloved children’s book, a stranded pilot, a wise fox, and cast of other colorful— often puzzling!—characters come to life as a young prince makes a brave journey to find his way home.

Sung in English with English supertitles Rated G for audiences of all ages.

All Utah Opera performances take place: Saturdays: 7:30 PM, Mondays: 7 PM, Wednesdays: 7 PM, Fridays: 7:30 PM, and Sundays: 2 PM Photo credit: Dana Sohm for Utah Opera 21

OPERA

MOZART’S

THE MARRIAGE OF FIGARO

MARCH 9, 11, 13, 15, & 17

JANET QUINNEY LAWSON CAPITOL THEATRE

Conner Gray Covington, conductor Tara Faircloth, director Hilarious antics ensue on Figaro’s wedding day— expect disguises, mistaken identities, and a lot of hiding in (and under) things—as this comedy plays out with music by one of the greatest composers of all time, Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart.

Sung in Italian with English supertitles Rated PG for mild suggestive humor.

Photo credit: Dana Sohm for Utah Opera 22

MASSENET’S

THAÏS

MAY 4, 6, 8, 10, & 12

JANET QUINNEY LAWSON CAPITOL THEATRE

Steven White, conductor Andrea Cigni, director She’s the sinner. He’s the saint. But when those roles are reversed, will either survive? This story of faith and temptation glitters with an opulent set, shimmering costumes, and artists from Repertory Dance Theatre.

Sung in French with English supertitles Rated PG-13 for violence and sexually suggestive content.

Photo credit: Cory Weaver for Minnesota Opera 23

POPS*

AUDRA MCDONALD

NOVEMBER 10 & 11, 7:30 PM

MAURICE ABRAVANEL HALL

Andy Einhorn, conductor Grammy, Emmy, and six-time Tony Award-winning artist Audra McDonald returns to Utah! Known for her amazing voice and skillful storytelling on Broadway, Audra’s singular talent will light up our stage in this unforgettable collaboration with the symphony.

HOLIDAY POPS EXTRAVAGANZA!

DECEMBER 15 & 16, 7:30 PM

MAURICE ABRAVANEL HALL

See Abravanel Hall transformed into a winter wonderland as we celebrate the magic of the season with cherished holiday favorites, surprises, and of course—Santa! Bring the whole family and arrive early for fun-filled activities (and hot chocolate!) in the lobby.

*FORMERLY THE ENTERTAINMENT SERIES 24

LOUIS ARMSTRONG & FRIENDS

WITH JAZZ TRUMPETER BYRON STRIPLING

MARCH 1 & 2, 7:30 PM

MAURICE ABRAVANEL HALL

Charming and charismatic, jazz trumpeter and singer Byron Stripling takes the stage with the symphony for an electrifying tribute to the great Louis Armstrong and his famous friends, including Frank Sinatra, Bing Crosby, Ella Fitzgerald, Duke Ellington, and so many others.

DIRECT FROM SWEDEN:

THE MUSIC OF ABBA

APRIL 12 & 13, 7:30 PM

MAURICE ABRAVANEL HALL

Are you a Dancing Queen?! Sing and dance along to your favorite ABBA hits, with songs like “Mamma Mia,” “Chiquitita,” “Waterloo,” “Money, Money, Money,” “Knowing Me Knowing You,” and who could forget, “Dancing Queen!”

All Pops performances take place on Fridays and Saturdays.

We are committed to providing performances that are accessible to our entire community. Visit our website for a full list of accommodations, including ASL interpreters and closed captions for select performances, braille libretti, audio descriptions, and a variety of seating options.

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FILMS IN CONCERT MARVEL STUDIOS’

BLACK PANTHER

IN CONCERT

SEPTEMBER 8, FRIDAY, 7 PM SEPTEMBER 9, SATURDAY, 7 PM

MAURICE ABRAVANEL HALL

Rated PG-13 for sequences of action violence.

“Wakanda Forever!” Now you can relive the excitement of T’Challa becoming king and battling Killmonger— all while the Utah Symphony performs Ludwig Göransson’s Oscar- and Grammy-winning score live to picture.

HARRY POTTER AND THE DEATHLY HALLOWS™ PART 2

IN CONCERT

OCTOBER 26, THURSDAY, 7 PM OCTOBER 27, FRIDAY, 7 PM OCTOBER 28, SATURDAY, 1:30 PM HALLOWEEN WEEKEND!

MAURICE ABRAVANEL HALL

Rated PG-13 for sequences of intense action violence and frightening images.

In the epic finale, the battle between good and evil forces of the wizarding world escalates into an all-out war! Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows™ Part 2 in Concert brings the final chapter to the big screen as the Utah Symphony performs every note of the epic score from Alexandre Desplat. The stakes have never been higher!

All films include Closed Captions.

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DISNEY’S

FROZEN

IN CONCERT DECEMBER 21, THURSDAY, 7 PM DECEMBER 22, FRIDAY, 7 PM DECEMBER 23, SATURDAY, 7 PM

MAURICE ABRAVANEL HALL

Rated PG for some action and mild rude humor.

“Let It Go!”—and join us to experience the magic of the Disney classic Frozen on the big screen with live music! The Utah Symphony performs every note of the Oscar- and Grammy-winning score.

CASABLANCA

IN CONCERT

FEBRUARY 9, FRIDAY, 7 PM FEBRUARY 10, SATURDAY, 7 PM VALENTINE’S WEEKEND!

MAURICE ABRAVANEL HALL

Rated PG for mild violence.

“Of all the gin joints, in all the towns, in all the world, she walks into mine.” Walk into our concert hall Valentine’s weekend and see the classic Casablanca on the big screen—one of only three films to rack up 11 Oscar nominations! Cozy up with a loved one as you savor the story of Rick and Ilsa’s romance, the beautiful visuals, and the Utah Symphony performing Max Steiner’s Oscarwinning score live in sync with the movie.

HOW TO TRAIN YOUR DRAGON

IN CONCERT

Special one-night add-on performance; not part of the Films in Concert Series package.

For more information, see page 40.

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FAMILY

HERE COMES SANTA CLAUS!

DECEMBER 16, 11 AM & 12:30 PM

MAURICE ABRAVANEL HALL

Kids (and kids at heart) will love the musical gifts at this joyful holiday concert with an all-new magical story for 2023. There may even be a special appearance by the jolly man himself! The memories you make will be cherished long after the snow melts.

All Family concerts take place on Saturdays and are perfect for ages 3 to 10!

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PETER AND THE WOLF

MARCH 16, 11 AM

MAURICE ABRAVANEL HALL

For nearly nine decades, kids have discovered the symphony orchestra through Prokofiev’s Peter and the Wolf—the tale of a young boy who captures a menacing wolf with the help of his animal friends!

As the charming story is narrated, the music vividly illustrates the adventure with different instruments representing each character—from the chirping bird played by the flute, to the grumbling grandfather depicted by the bassoon, to Peter’s own heroic melody singing out in the strings.

DID YOU KNOW?

Utah Symphony | Utah Opera education programs reach students in every county in Utah on a three-year rotation.

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FAMILY

AN OUTER-SPACE ADVENTURE!

THE SECRET OF THE CARDBOARD ROCKET APRIL 13, 11 AM

MAURICE ABRAVANEL HALL

We have LIFT OFF! The symphony will send you and your little ones on an outer-space adventure, with a fantastic story brought to life with space-themed music—including Star Wars!— and mesmerizing graphics and footage from Clark Planetarium.

All Family concerts include a lobby full of pre-concert activities hosted by our Youth Volunteers.

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Photo credit: Ian Mower for Utah Symphony 31

NOORDA RACHMANINOFF’S SYMPHONY NO. 2

& LISZT WITH PIANIST JOYCE YANG Joyce Yang

OCTOBER 19, 7:30 PM

UVU’S NOORDA CENTER FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS, OREM

Rune Bergmann, conductor Joyce Yang, piano SAINT-SAËNS: Danse macabre LISZT: Totentanz RACHMANINOFF: Symphony No. 2 Just before Halloween, one of the most notable figures in storytelling—Death—is summoned to dance, with Rachmaninoff’s towering Symphony No. 2, Liszt’s eerie Totentanz performed by audience favorite Joyce Yang, and Saint-Saëns’ bone-rattling Danse Macabre.

APPALACHIAN SPRING

& BACH WITH PIANIST AWADAGIN PRATT Awadagin Pratt

NOVEMBER 30, 7:30 PM

UVU’S NOORDA CENTER FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS, OREM

Teddy Abrams, conductor Awadagin Pratt, piano BACH: Keyboard Concerto in A Major, BWV 1055 JESSIE MONTGOMERY: Rounds for Piano and String Orchestra TEDDY ABRAMS: Overture to The Greatest COPLAND: Appalachian Spring Trail-blazing pianist Awadagin Pratt brings a delightful mix of old and new to the ivories! Teddy Abrams takes the podium, also leading the overture to his own rap-opera about American boxing legend Muhammad Ali—and concluding with another classic story of the American dream, a frontier couple working together toward a brighter future in Copland’s Appalachian Spring.

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BEETHOVEN’S SYMPHONY NO. 7

& MOZART’S VIOLIN CONCERTO NO. 3 Francesca Dego

JANUARY 4, 7:30 PM

UVU’S NOORDA CENTER FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS, OREM

David Danzmayr, conductor Francesca Dego, violin BEETHOVEN: Coriolan Overture MOZART: Violin Concerto No. 3 CARLOS SIMON: Fate Now Conquers BEETHOVEN: Symphony No. 7 Experience the duality of Beethoven’s Seventh Symphony, with its many contrasting moods—plus, the new work it inspired more than 200 years later. Paired with one of Mozart’s greatest violin concertos, you have an evening of incomparable drama and joy.

STRAUSS’ DON JUAN & A WORLD PREMIERE WITH PRINCIPAL TROMBONE MARK DAVIDSON

Mark Davidson

FEBRUARY 15, 7:30 PM

UVU’S NOORDA CENTER FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS, OREM

Conner Gray Covington, conductor Mark Davidson, trombone HAYDN: Symphony No. 88 QUINN MASON: Trombone Concerto (World Premiere; Utah Symphony co-commission) R. STRAUSS: Don Juan BARBER: Symphony No. 1 Strauss’ Don Juan is a heartbreaking retelling of the lothario who searches for his soulmate until he succumbs to loneliness. The pain is exquisitely punctuated with the romantic melodies of Barber’s First Symphony. Plus, Principal Trombone Mark Davidson performs the world premiere of the lyrical new concerto written for him.

All Noorda performances take place on Thursdays.

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ITZHAK PERLMAN

ITZHAK PERLMAN’S CINEMA SERENADE

WITH MUSIC BY JOHN WILLIAMS OCTOBER 14, SATURDAY, 7:30 PM MAURICE ABRAVANEL HALL

Benjamin Manis, conductor Itzhak Perlman, violin At a special celebratory evening, reigning violin virtuoso Itzhak Perlman shares music composed or arranged by John Williams, from movies including Schindler’s List, Far and Away, and Sabrina. Witness the performer who enjoys superstar status rarely afforded a classical musician—treasured by audiences throughout the world who respond not only to his remarkable artistry, but also to his irrepressible joy for making music.

Come early and stay late for festivities in the lobby of Maurice Abravanel Hall!

For VIP ticket information and sponsorship opportunities, please contact the development office at 801-869-9015.

THIS CONCERT WILL SELL OUT! SUBSCRIBE TO ACCESS TICKETS BEFORE THEY GO ON SALE TO THE GENERAL PUBLIC JULY 20!

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Photo credit: Ian Mower for Utah Symphony 35

SPECIAL EVENT CONCERTS

CELEBRACIÓN SINFÓNICA

A FESTIVAL OF LATIN AMERICAN CULTURE SEPTEMBER 18, MONDAY, 7:30 PM

MAURICE ABRAVANEL HALL

Enrico Lopez-Yañez, conductor This spirited annual festival kicks off with food trucks, artisan crafts, and dancers on the plaza—and continues in the concert hall with Latin American orchestral music, popular hits, and traditional tunes. Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month with us!

Este festival anual vivaz arranca con camiones de comida, artesanías y bailarines en la plaza— y continúa en la sala de conciertos con música sinfónica latinoamericana, éxitos populares y tonadas tradicionales. ¡Celebra el Mes de la Herencia Hispana con nosotros!

SUBSCRIBE TO ACCESS TICKETS BEFORE THEY GO ON SALE TO THE GENERAL PUBLIC AUGUST 1!

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63RD ANNUAL SALUTE TO YOUTH

NOVEMBER 22, WEDNESDAY, 5:30 PM

MAURICE ABRAVANEL HALL

This longtime tradition spotlights extraordinary rising talent that you must see—and hear—to believe!

Following a rigorous audition process, Utah’s most talented young musicians have the once-in-a-lifetime chance to play a concerto movement alongside the Utah Symphony—and audiences have the chance to witness greatness!

Tickets start at just $15!

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SPECIAL EVENT CONCERTS

MESSIAH SING-IN

A SALT LAKE CITY TRADITION! NOVEMBER 25, SATURDAY, 7:30 PM NOVEMBER 26, SUNDAY, 7:30 PM

THANKSGIVING WEEKEND!

MAURICE ABRAVANEL HALL

Let the holiday music begin on Thanksgiving weekend! This cherished tradition invites all to share in the joy of singing Handel’s masterpiece—including the famous “Hallelujah” Chorus!—with our chorus and your fellow audience members. Bring your family and plenty of holiday spirit, and join in the majesty.

A performance unlike any other, the Messiah Sing-In is ranked as one of the “Top 100 Things to do in Salt Lake City.”

SUBSCRIBE TO ACCESS TICKETS BEFORE THEY GO ON SALE TO THE GENERAL PUBLIC AUGUST 1!

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CELTIC WOMAN

DECEMBER 11, MONDAY, 7 PM

MAURICE ABRAVANEL HALL

Back by popular demand this holiday season, experience Celtic Woman’s angelic harmonies with the thrilling live sound of the symphony in an intimate concert setting. From delicate Gaelic carols to stunning arrangements of classics like “Silent Night,” Celtic Woman has a wealth of seasonal music to gladden your heart. With crystalline voices, shimmering strings and Irish fiddling, magnificent brass fanfares, Irish harp, and the proud call of the bagpipes, this is a performance you will never forget.

Get your tickets early— this concert sold out quickly last year!

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SPECIAL EVENT CONCERTS

HOW TO TRAIN YOUR DRAGON

IN CONCERT

APRIL 23, 7 PM

MAURICE ABRAVANEL HALL

Rated PG for sequences of intense action, brief mild language, and some scary images.

The wait is over— this top-requested movie comes to Abravanel Hall!

When a young Viking defies tradition and befriends a ferocious dragon named Toothless, these unlikely heroes must fight against all odds to save both their worlds. Experience the humor, fire-breathing action, and epic adventure of this favorite film on the big screen, as its Oscar-nominated musical score is performed live by the symphony.

SUBSCRIBE TO ACCESS TICKETS BEFORE THEY GO ON SALE TO THE GENERAL PUBLIC AUGUST 1!

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Bonnie Terry, violin

Photo credit: Ian Mower for Utah Symphony 41

MASTERWORKS PACKAGES All performances at Maurice Abravanel Hall 123 W. South Temple, Salt Lake City Powerful musical narratives take the stage, with beloved repertoire and world-renowned artists!

CALL (801) 533-NOTE (6683) OR VISIT UTAHSYMPHONY.ORG/ MASTERWORKS UTAH SYMPHONY 2023–24 MASTERWORKS SEATING MAP

Stage Abravanel/Peterson Society—$2,500 annual contribution required

• ADA Seating 2023–24 SEASON SUBSCRIPTION PRICING Price Zone

Full Season

Half Season (D or E)

Mini Season (A, B, or C)

1 - Abravanel/ Peterson Society

$1294.50

$653.25

$439.50

2 - Premium A

$984.00

$498.00

$336.00

3 - Premium B

$781.50

$396.75

$268.50

4 - Standard A

$646.50

$329.25

$223.50

5 - Standard B

$484.50

$248.25

$169.50

6 - Value

$295.50

$153.75

$106.50

Finishing Touches

$49 (General admission)

Prices listed include subscriber discount of up to 25%.

Prices include Salt Lake County Preservation Fund Fee to support Salt Lake County Arts & Culture Facilities. Students & Seniors are exempt from this fee.

Prices are subject to change. No refunds.

PURCHASE NOW! 801-533-NOTE (6683) UTAHSYMPHONY.ORG/MASTERWORKS

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CHOOSE YOUR SEASON OF SPECIALLY CURATED CONCERTS

(FRIDAY OR SATURDAY)

MINI-SEASON PACKAGES

Approximately one concert every other month MASTERWORKS A— 6 Performances MASTERWORKS B— 6 performances (Saturdays at 5:30 PM) MASTERWORKS C— 6 performances HALF-SEASON PACKAGES

Approximately one concert per month MASTERWORKS D— 9 Performances MASTERWORKS E— 9 Performances FULL-SEASON PACKAGES

Enjoy all 18 concerts and don’t miss a single Masterworks performance!

FINISHING TOUCHES SERIES (FT)

Watch our musicians at work at the final rehearsal, with complimentary refreshments in the lobby.

(Fridays at 10 AM) HalfSeason

MiniSeason A Dvořák’s “New World” Symphony

Sep 15 & 16

Beethoven’s “Emperor” Concerto

Sep 22 & 23

Rachmaninoff’s Symphony No. 2

Oct 20 & 21

Beethoven’s Ninth

Nov 3 & 4

Brahms’ Symphony No. 2

Nov 17 & 18

Appalachian Spring

Dec 8 & 9

Beethoven’s Symphony No. 7

Jan 5 & 6

Stephen Hough Jan 12 & 13 Performs Stephen Hough Prokofiev’s Violin Concerto No. 1

Feb 2 & 3

Strauss’ Don Juan

Feb 16 & 17

Tchaikovsky’s Symphony No. 2

Feb 23 & 24

Danny Elfman’s Percussion Concerto

Mar 22 & 23

Dvořák’s Violin Concerto

Mar 29 & 30

Guitar Celebrations Ravel’s Piano Concerto in G Scheherazade Anne Akiko Meyers Plays “Fandango”

May 17 & 18 May 24 & 25

D

E

X X

X

Sep 22

X X

X

X X

X

X X

X

X

Dec 8 X

X

X X

X X

X

X X

X X

Apr 19 & 20 Apr 26 & 27

C

X

Dec 1 & 2

Schumann’s “Rhenish” Symphony

B

X

FT

X

Mar 22

X X

X

X

X X

X X

May 17

X

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OPERA PACKAGES

4 PERFORMANCES

All performances at Janet Quinney Lawson Capitol Theatre 50 W. 200 S., Salt Lake City This season’s productions explore the many facets of love—romance, heartbreak, friendship, and temptation.

UTAH OPERA 2023–24 CAPITOL THEATRE SEATING MAP

Stage Abravanel/Peterson Society—$2,500 annual contribution required

• ADA Seating 2023–24 SEASON SUBSCRIPTION PRICING Friday/Saturday/ Sunday

Monday/ Wednesday

1 - Abravanel/Peterson Society

$338.00

$326.00

2 - Premium A

$305.00

$293.00

3 - Premium B

$221.00

$212.00

4 - Standard A

$161.00

$155.00

5 - Standard B

$119.00

$116.00

6 - Value

$98.00

$98.00

Price Zone

Prices listed include subscriber discount of up to 25%.

Prices include Salt Lake County Preservation Fund Fee to support Salt Lake County Arts & Culture Facilities. Students & Seniors are exempt from this fee.

Prices are subject to change. No refunds.

PURCHASE NOW! 801-533-NOTE (6683) UTAHOPERA.ORG/SUBSCRIBE

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POPS PACKAGES

4 PERFORMANCES

All performances at Maurice Abravanel Hall 123 W. South Temple, Salt Lake City Broadway, jazz, and pop hits (plus, holiday magic)— beginning with superstar headliner Audra McDonald!

UTAH SYMPHONY 2023–24 POPS SEATING MAP

Stage

Abravanel/Peterson Society—$2,500 annual contribution required

• ADA Seating 2023–24 SEASON SUBSCRIPTION PRICING Price Zone

Friday

Saturday

1 - Abravanel/Peterson Society

$311.00

$311.00

2 - Premium A

$238.25

$238.25

3 - Premium B

$187.25

$187.25

4 - Standard A

$153.50

$153.50

5 - Standard B

$118.25

$118.25

6 - Value

$77.75

$77.75

Prices listed include subscriber discount of up to 25%.

Prices include Salt Lake County Preservation Fund Fee to support Salt Lake County Arts & Culture Facilities. Students & Seniors are exempt from this fee.

Prices are subject to change. No refunds.

PURCHASE NOW! 801-533-NOTE (6683) UTAHSYMPHONY.ORG/POPS

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FILMS IN CONCERT PACKAGES

4 PERFORMANCES

All performances at Maurice Abravanel Hall 123 W. South Temple, Salt Lake City You can’t get surround sound like this anywhere else!

Blockbuster films, old and new, take on new life with the scores performed live-to-picture.

UTAH SYMPHONY 2023–24 FILMS IN CONCERT SEATING MAP

Stage

• ADA Seating 2023–24 SEASON SUBSCRIPTION PRICING Price Zone

Friday (A)

Saturday (B)

Price Zone 1

$335.50

$335.50

Price Zone 2

$244.25

$244.25

Price Zone 3

$206.25

$206.25

Price Zone 4

$170.50

$170.50

Price Zone 5

$134.75

$134.75

Price Zone 6

$105.50

$105.50

Prices listed include subscriber discount of up to 25%.

Prices include Salt Lake County Preservation Fund Fee to support Salt Lake County Arts & Culture Facilities. Students & Seniors are exempt from this fee.

Prices are subject to change. No refunds.

PURCHASE NOW! 801-533-NOTE (6683) UTAHSYMPHONY.ORG/FILMS

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FAMILY PACKAGE

3 PERFORMANCES

All performances at Maurice Abravanel Hall 123 W. South Temple, Salt Lake City Crafted especially for children ages 3-10, these kid-approved concerts are perfect for making musical memories.

UTAH SYMPHONY 2023–24 FAMILY SEATING MAP

Stage

• ADA Seating 2023–24 SEASON SUBSCRIPTION PRICING Price Zone

Sat. (11 AM)

Price Zone 1

$77.25

Price Zone 2

$63.75

Price Zone 3

$52.50

Price Zone 4

$41.25

Price Zone 5

$34.50

Price Zone 6

$30.00

Prices listed include subscriber discount of up to 25%.

Prices include Salt Lake County Preservation Fund Fee to support Salt Lake County Arts & Culture Facilities. Students & Seniors are exempt from this fee.

Prices are subject to change. No refunds.

PURCHASE NOW! 801-533-NOTE (6683) UTAHSYMPHONY.ORG/FAMILY

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NOORDA PACKAGE

4 PERFORMANCES

All performances at The Noorda Center for the Performing Arts at UVU 800 W. University Pkwy, Orem Witness the world-class talent of the Utah Symphony at our intimate Utah County home.

UTAH SYMPHONY 2023–24 NOORDA SEATING MAP

Stage

2023–24 SEASON SUBSCRIPTION PRICING Price Zone

Thurs. (7:30 PM)

Price Zone 2

$230.40

Price Zone 3

$182.40

Price Zone 4

$150.40

Price Zone 5

$112.00

Price Zone 6

$67.20

Prices listed include subscriber discount of up to 20%.

Prices are subject to change. No refunds.

PURCHASE NOW! 801-533-NOTE (6683) UTAHSYMPHONY.ORG/NOORDA

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FINISHING TOUCHES PACKAGE

4 OPEN REHEARSALS

All rehearsals at Maurice Abravanel Hall 123 W. South Temple, Salt Lake City Start your morning off right with brunch bites and an inside look at our process of bringing Utah Symphony performances to the stage.

Beethoven’s “Emperor” Concerto—September 22 Schumann’s “Rhenish” Symphony—December 8 Danny Elfman’s Percussion Concerto—March 22 Scheherazade—May 17 Season-Ticket Package (4 rehearsals) = $49 All seats for this series are general admission. Price includes subscriber discount.

Price includes Salt Lake County Preservation Fund Fee to support Salt Lake County Arts & Culture Facilities. Students & Seniors are exempt from this fee.

Prices are subject to change. No refunds.

PURCHASE NOW! 801-533-NOTE (6683) UTAHSYMPHONY.ORG/ FINISHINGTOUCHES

DESIGN-A-SERIES Choose any four (or more) performances from our 2023-24 season and you’ll save up to 20% off the single-ticket price with a flexible Design-A-Series package.

AVAILABLE TO NEW SUBSCRIBERS JUNE 5!

801-533-NOTE (6683) UTAHSYMPHONY.ORG/DAS

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Photo credit: Austen Diamond for Utah Opera 50

YOUR SUPPORT MATTERS No performance is complete without the generous support of our donors. We are grateful to all who contribute to Utah Symphony | Utah Opera to help us carry out our mission to connect the community through great live music.

DID YOU KNOW?

• USUO is the flagship arts organization of the Intermountain West and is widely renowned, nationally and internationally, for its artistic excellence.

• M any of the world’s top-tier artists are drawn to Utah to perform with USUO. • U tah Symphony is one of just 16 year-round orchestras in the U.S. • U tah Opera is one of just 6 opera companies in the U.S. with full production capabilities, including in-house costume design and set-building.

• U SUO is the largest employer of full-time performing artists in the state—currently, 87 symphony musicians and five opera Resident Artists.

• Many of USUO’s performances and extensive education programs statewide are presented free of charge.

GIVE TODAY AT USUO.ORG/GIVE

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UTAH SYMPHONY | UTAH OPERA PATRON SERVICES 123 W. South Temple. Salt Lake City, UT 84101

Season Sponsor

Masterworks Series Sponsor

Family Series Sponsor