Celebrating Young Talent: Utah Symphony’s Salute to Youth Program

For decades, the Utah Symphony’s Salute to Youth program has been a beacon for young musicians, providing a prestigious platform for them to showcase their talent and work ethic. This annual event, which began in 1960, celebrates the future of classical music as the audience witnesses the exceptional abilities of the next generation of musicians.

The Audition Process

Each year, vocalists and instrumentalists between the ages of 12 and 23 from across Utah audition for the chance to perform with the Utah Symphony. But, the path to performing at Salute to Youth is rigorous as it begins with an intensely competitive blind audition process. During auditions, each participant performs a concerto movement or a comparable solo piece. A panel of distinguished judges evaluates each performance based on technical proficiency, musicality, and overall presentation. The identity of each musician is concealed from the judges to prevent bias. The level of hard work and talent displayed by these young musicians is consistently impressive, making the selection process challenging for the judges.

Once selected, the soloists embark on a journey of preparation, working closely with Utah Symphony conductors and musicians to perfect their performances. This preparation involves not only mastering their solo parts but also understanding how to interact with the orchestra and respond to the conductor—all of which are essential skills for any soloist.

A Night to Remember

The culmination of months of hard work and preparation is the Salute to Youth concert—a night dedicated to celebrating the achievements of these exceptional young musicians. Held at Abravanel Hall, this performance is a longtime local favorite, drawing the performers family, friends, and an audience eager to witness performances by those representing the future of classical music.

For many of the soloists, performing with the Utah Symphony is a dream come true. The opportunity to stand on stage, backed by a full professional orchestra, is a moment that few young musicians get to experience. This performance is often a milestone in their musical careers, providing them with the confidence and inspiration to pursue their dreams further.

Impact Beyond The Stage

While the Salute to Youth concert is the program’s most visible component, the impact of the program extends far beyond the stage. For many participants, the experience of Salute to Youth is transformative, inspiring them to continue their musical education and pursue careers in music.

Just one example of this can be seen from the most recent 2023–24 season. For the opening performance of the season, which featured Dvořák’s “New World” Symphony, Utah Symphony welcomed Aubree Oliverson (a previous Salute to Youth winner from 2013 at age 15) to the stage to perform Barber’s Violin Concerto. Her return, and ensuing performance, were marked by a standing ovation and whole-hearted audience enthusiasm.

Salute to Youth highlights the Utah Symphony’s commitment to community engagement and education. By providing young musicians with this platform, USUO is fostering the next generation of musicians and enriching the cultural life of Utah.