Written by Renee Huang

306bUnder the baton of Music Director Thierry Fischer, the Utah Symphony in September embarked upon a year-long season of celebration in honor of the organization’s 75th anniversary. The milestone 2015-16 season features the completion of a two-year Mahler symphony cycle (a nod to former music director Maurice Abravanel), and the release of the first recording under Maestro Fischer, Mahler’s Symphony No. 1 “Titan.” Also on tap are a fundraising gala with piano superstar Lang Lang and two world- premiere commissions of contemporary American composers to be recorded and released coinciding with the orchestra’s first Carnegie Hall performance in 41 years.

“The full 2015-16 season represents many attractive and inspiring programming challenges, and a culmination of our vision to collaborate and connect to people through live music,” says Fischer. “Our commissions and recordings symbolize forward momentum as a modern, creative organization that is focused on innovative and artistic energy.

Our performance at Carnegie Hall in Spring 2016, the release of our world premiere recordings, and the fact that we attract some of today’s most renowned soloists and guest conductors demonstrates the growth that we have been able to achieve artistically, and will continue to do as we move forward.”

307This milestone anniversary for Utah Symphony represents progression and success musically, building upon Abravanel’s 32-year legacy, but also serves as a “thank you” to Utah and the community. Utah Symphony shares the stage with several performing arts groups this season, including The Mormon Tabernacle Choir, The Madeleine Choir School, Utah Shakespeare Festival, Utah Opera, and Ballet West.

Utah Opera opened its 38th season with much-loved opera classic Puccini’s “Tosca” in October, and continues its 2015-16 season with presentations of Lehár’s “The Merry Widow” (Jan. 16-24, 2016), Verdi’s “Aida” (Mar. 12-20, 2016) and Mozart’s “The Marriage of Figaro” (May 7-15, 2016).

“We are embarking upon one of the most exciting seasons of well-known opera hits and composers that Utah Opera has seen. There are no bigger names in opera than Verdi, Puccini and Mozart,” said Artistic Director Christopher McBeth. “I’m thrilled to be featuring these heavy hitters’ repertoires that are beloved by longtime opera goers and newcomers alike.”

For a complete schedule or to purchase tickets, please visit UtahSymphony.org | UtahOpera.org

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