Paul Meecham Q&A

Utah Symphony | Utah Opera’s President and CEO Paul Meecham started July 1, 2016 after completing a final 100th anniversary season with Baltimore Symphony Orchestra, where he held the role of their chief executive for 10 years. He shares why he and his family are excited to move to Utah and start a new chapter.

Q: First of all, welcome to Utah. Everyone is thrilled to have someone with your vast industry experience. What factors influenced you to take the role as the President and CEO of Utah Symphony | Utah Opera?
A: Ultimately, it was an easy decision to make because of the people at USUO. In meeting with Thierry Fischer, Christopher McBeth, the board, staff and musicians, as well as several community leaders, I immediately sense a shared vision towards artistic and community excellence. I believe that the synergies created in merging the Symphony and the Opera have yet more potential to be tapped, and the success of the Deer Valley® Music Festival has added a whole new and exciting dimension.
Q: Among other things, Utah is known as a mecca for outdoor recreation, phenomenal geographic landscape and community involvement. Tell us what your family is excited about experiencing.
A: Well, we are certainly looking forward to the world-class skiing! And none in the family has ever visited the fabulous national and state parks in southern Utah. Also, I think my kids have already got their hearts set on Dinosaur National Monument! My wife and I love hiking, so couldn’t be happier in moving to Utah. We’ll have to see whether my thirteen-year old son and eleven-year old daughter will agree with us! Both our kids are keen on sports such as soccer and baseball, and my daughter rides horses, of which I’m told you have a few in the state! We are a close-knit family and have quickly picked up that Utah is a very family-friendly state so we expect to settle in very quickly.
Q: Utah has had a big year in the media, attracting attention as the best place for skiing, mountain biking, as well as earning accolades as the top state for business. What has surprised you most about Utah?
A: I think the biggest surprise has been the quality of all the arts. Obviously I was aware of the world-class symphony, but was less familiar with the equally high level of the opera, ballet, theater and visual arts scene.
Q: Your experience leading top-tier orchestras is widely known and respected in the classical music industry. We feel fortunate to have attracted a leader with such a great track record to help shape what is yet to come. Describe what you see in store for the future of the organization.
A: It’s perhaps too early to speak of an overarching vision yet—after all, I just began July 1! However, I will want to build upon the momentum that has developed during the 75th anniversary including the celebrated Carnegie Hall performance, the commercial recordings, and the artistic partnerships forged with the ballet, theater, and others. And just around the corner is another reason to celebrate—the 40th season of Utah Opera in 2017–18. There’s much to look forward to in the years ahead!