Utah Symphony Returning to Carnegie Hall for First Time in More Than 40 Years

As part of its 75th anniversary celebrations, the Utah Symphony will return to New York City on April 29 to perform at Carnegie Hall, marking its first performance in the esteemed concert venue in more than 40 years. Tickets are available starting at $25 directly for purchase through Carnegie Hall at www.carnegiehall.org/Calendar/2016/4/29/0800/PM/Utah-Symphony-Orchestra/

This is the fourth time Utah Symphony has played at Carnegie Hall. In 1966, the Utah Symphony embarked on its first international tour to Europe under long-time former music director Maurice Abravanel, who has been credited with shaping the orchestra into a world-renowned ensemble. The tour began with the Utah Symphony's first performance at Carnegie Hall, and coincided with the opening of Carnegie's own 75th anniversary season celebrations. Subsequent Utah Symphony performances occurred under Abravanel in 1971 and 1975. This month's concert will mark 40 years since the orchestra's last performance.

"It is an incredible honor for any orchestra to perform in Carnegie Hall, one of the mighty cathedrals of symphonic music," said Utah Symphony Music Director Thierry Fischer, the orchestra's seventh music director. "As many will remember, we appeared in Carnegie Hall during their 75th season celebration in 1966 so it seems especially fitting to return during ours. We are all very excited by the challenge and opportunity this trip will offer and take immense pride in representing our state through great music, great energy and a great commitment to excellence in art."

The concert opens with Haydn's inspirational and optimistic Symphony No. 96 "Miracle", followed by the New York debut of American composer Andrew Norman's percussion concerto, "Switch," which he was commissioned to write for the orchestra. The world premiere of the composition was recorded and released alongside two other commissions by Augusta Read Thomas and Nico Muhly on April 8 by Reference Recordings on an album entitled, "Dawn to Dust." British percussionist Colin Currie, dubbed "the world's finest and most daring percussionist" by The Spectator, was featured on the recording and will be the soloist for "Switch" at Carnegie Hall. Immediately following intermission, Utah Symphony will present five suites from Prokofiev's "Romeo and Juliet." The performance concludes with the Suite from "The Miraculous Mandarin" by Bartók.

"Great music brings us beauty and strengthens our community and culture in extraordinary ways," said Utah Symphony | Utah Opera Board Chair Dave Petersen, President and CEO of O.C. Tanner, whose founder Obert C. Tanner championed access to classical music in the community. "An important part of the vision of Utah Symphony is to be recognized as a leader in artistic excellence. We aspire to be known as a top orchestra, and taking the Utah Symphony back to Carnegie Hall is an integral step toward achieving this. I'm personally excited to support this historic return to Carnegie Hall to share one of Utah's cultural gems."

Joining the orchestra on the trip to the "Big Apple" is a large contingent of prominent Utahns who have shown incredible support for the local performing arts culture. Among them is Governor Gary Herbert and wife, Jeanette, who have been supporters of the arts.

"The Utah Symphony is one of our state's greatest gems," Gov. Herbert said. "It is not only an important part of our thriving arts community, but is a key to attracting businesses as well as a major contributor to Utah's elevated quality of life. We are proud of the Utah Symphony as it celebrates its 75th anniversary at Carnegie Hall."

Utah Symphony | Utah Opera Interim President and CEO Patricia A. Richards expressed gratitude for the many sponsors, without whom the tour would be impossible, including the George S. and Dolores Doré Eccles Foundation, Sorenson Legacy Foundation, Stewart Family Foundation, and O.C. Tanner, organizations with lengthy histories of support for the orchestra over many decades. Additional support is provided by Kem & Carolyn Gardner, Bill & Joanne Shiebler, Mark & Dianne Prothro, Workers Compensation Fund, and Capital Group | Private Client Services.

Prior to arriving in New York City, the orchestra will perform the same concert repertoire at Krannert Center at the University of Illinois in Champagne, IL on April 27, 2016.

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