An interview with our new Principal Guest Conductor

Delyana Lazarova will join the Utah Symphony as Principal Guest Conductor this fall. She reflected on what the position means to her and how she got here.

Tell us about your journey to the podium. What made you want to become a conductor? Was there a concert that sparked that interest? A conductor who inspired you? 

My musical journey began so early that I can’t remember a time without it. Becoming a conductor felt like a natural extension of my life as a violinist. I loved playing the violin—truly—but I realized I loved music even more.

I vividly remember my first classical concert. I was 5 years old, completely mesmerized by the sound, the energy, the atmosphere. But what fascinated me most was the conductor. From my tiny seat in the audience, he looked almost like a magician—a mysterious figure with his back turned, hands moving in the air, guiding something I didn’t yet understand. He stared into a score I couldn’t make sense of, and I was desperate to know what he was seeing.

The moment we got home, I asked my parents for an orchestral score. I wanted to see for myself what the conductor had been reading. That curiosity never left me.

At the time, there were no women conductors in Bulgaria, so I simply assumed I would be a violinist. It wasn’t until I moved to the U.S. that I realized conducting could be a real path—my path.

How would you describe your conducting style? 

My goal as a conductor is to be clear, expressive, inspiring—and above all, deeply communicative. I see my role as a bridge between the composer’s vision and the musicians on stage. I’m there to help them shine, to support them in bringing the music to life with authenticity, energy, and intention—just as the composer imagined it.

You conduct all over the world. What appealed to you about becoming Principal Guest Conductor of the Utah Symphony? 

There were many factors, of course—but the main one is difficult to put into words. After our first concerts together, I felt an immediate connection with the musicians of the Utah Symphony. I left Salt Lake City not with a sense of closure, but with the feeling that something truly special was just beginning.

What struck me most was how natural everything felt—musically and personally. It was clear that the chemistry we shared on stage was mutual, and I had a deep sense that I was in the right place at the right time. With the Utah Symphony, it felt like the possibilities were endless—like the sky was the limit.

You are an accomplished violinist as well as a conductor. How does being a musician influence your conducting? 

Playing the violin is one of my greatest assets as a conductor. I believe every conductor should possess a high level of instrumental and artistic proficiency, as we are leading exceptionally skilled musicians and must fully understand what we can ask of them. This foundation not only deepens my connection with the orchestra but also allows me to lead with greater empathy, insight, and collaboration.

Do you have any pre-performance traditions or rituals you’d like to share?

I honestly don’t have any rituals or traditions before a concert, because I feel they are limiting in a way. Anything can happen before a performance, so I like to stay in the moment and to think of all the incredible music we are about to share with our audience. 

Women remain a minority in the conducting world. What would you say to a girl who might be interested in becoming a conductor like you? 

Don’t wait for permission—the podium is for anyone with vision, skill, and the courage to lead. Being a conductor isn’t about gender; it’s about inspiring others through music. If you love it, pursue it boldly. Your voice matters, and by stepping up, you help reshape what leadership in music looks like.

Utah is known for its majestic outdoors as well as its growing cities. Tell us about some of your favorite places in Utah. (And it’s OK if one of them is Abravanel Hall!) 

I’ve yet to discover the full beauty of Utah, and I honestly can’t wait. As a passionate hiker and nature lover, the state’s incredible national parks are calling my name—I’ve heard so much about their breathtaking landscapes. 

That said, Abravanel Hall already has my heart—it’s truly one of the finest concert halls I’ve experienced, and I’m genuinely excited for the incredible music we’ll make there in the coming concerts.