Collection: UTAH SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA: THE MUSICAL HERITAGE SOCIETY RECORDING

Established in 1940, the Utah Symphony Orchestra is a cornerstone of Utah's cultural landscape, based in Salt Lake City and performing primarily in the acoustically acclaimed Abravanel Hall. From its humble beginnings, the orchestra rapidly gained prominence, particularly under the transformative leadership of Music Director Maurice Abravanel (1947-1979).

Abravanel's tenure propelled the Utah Symphony onto the international stage. He cultivated a distinctive sound and led the orchestra through an ambitious recording schedule, producing over 100 recordings, including the first complete cycles of Mahler and Vaughan Williams symphonies by an American orchestra. This legacy cemented the ensemble's reputation for artistic excellence and bold programming.

Beyond its celebrated discography, the Symphony is renowned for its vibrant live performances, showcasing a diverse repertoire from classical masterpieces to contemporary works and film scores. Deeply committed to its community, the orchestra maintains extensive music education programs, reaching tens of thousands of students across the state annually. It also embraces Utah's unique geography, often performing statewide tours and outdoor concerts against stunning natural backdrops.

In 2002, the Utah Symphony merged with Utah Opera to form Utah Symphony | Utah Opera (USUO), creating a financially robust and artistically dynamic organization. Under current Music Director Thierry Fischer (since 2009), the orchestra continues to thrive, presenting world-class musical experiences, commissioning new works, and serving as a vital cultural ambassador for the state of Utah, enriching the lives of residents and visitors alike.