Bringing Music to Every Corner of Utah

by Megs Vincent

At Utah Symphony | Utah Opera, we believe in the transformative power of music and its ability to connect communities across our state. Our mission extends far beyond Salt Lake City—we bring music to every corner of Utah to further connect communities. This October, we had the privilege of bringing our music to Delta, Utah—a visit that exemplified our commitment to fostering connections and inspiring audiences wherever they are.

A Tour Through Central Utah

In early October, a chamber-sized group of Utah Symphony musicians embarked on a tour through Millard County in central Utah. Performing five educational concerts at Tintic, Juab, and Delta High Schools, this passionate ensemble reached over 2,000 students with the magic of live performance. These concerts provided many young listeners with their first experience of live orchestral music—a memory we hope will inspire a lifelong love of music.

A Special Evening in Delta

The highlight of the tour was a special evening concert at Delta High School on October 9, 2024. Symphony Education Manager Dr. Jessica Wiley worked closely with Millard Arts Council Chair Michelle Burr to organize the event. Michelle’s deep connection to Utah Symphony’s history made this collaboration particularly meaningful. Her mother, who once served as the chair of the Arts Council, worked with Maurice Abravanel to bring the symphony to Hurricane years ago. A treasured handwritten note from the maestro himself still reflects the warmth of that relationship.

The people of Delta welcomed the Utah Symphony with open arms and extraordinary hospitality. Before the concert, the Arts Council provided a delicious dinner for our musicians and staff, along with thoughtful goodie bags that included locally donated honey. Around 300 enthusiastic attendees packed the concert hall—just under 10% of the small town’s population—showing their appreciation with thunderous applause and heartfelt words during the post-concert reception. Assistant Conductor Jessica Rivero Altarriba had the amazing opportunity to personally engage with the audience, signing programs and sharing their passion for music.

Inspiring the Next Generation

The impact of this visit extended beyond the concert hall. Delta High School’s Orchestra and Band Director, Sarah Peterson, shared her personal story of inspiration. As a second grader in Richfield, she saw the Utah Symphony perform and knew instantly that she wanted a life centered on music. Now a music teacher in another small Utah town, Sarah shared her excitement about how the performance could spark inspiration in her students. “Live music has a unique energy and excitement that no recording can replicate,” she said, emphasizing its importance in today’s digital world.

Strengthening Bonds Across Utah

Our visit to Delta was a celebration of community and the power of music to bring people together. It was a privilege to connect with students, teachers, and families, and to strengthen our ties with this vibrant community. We left Delta inspired by the warm hospitality we received and the shared enthusiasm for live music. This journey reaffirmed our mission to bring music to every corner of Utah—unifying communities, igniting creativity, and forging lasting connections through the universal language of music.