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The year 2020 marks the 100th anniversary of the 19th Amendment to the United States Constitution and the 150th anniversary of the first vote under a women’s suffrage law, which happened in Salt Lake City. In recognition of these milestones, Utah Symphony | Utah Opera’s 2020 cultural festival will highlight the achievements of women and create opportunities for them in the field of classical music, particularly as composers and conductors.

Activities include performances of original works, artist presentations, and masterclasses.

Events with Utah Symphony Composer-in-Association Arlene Sierra

 

NATURE SYMPHONY (U.S. PREMIERE)

January 29-30, 2021 | Abravanel Hall

The second of Composer-in-Association Arlene Sierra’s U.S. premieres takes a deep look into “the mechanics and processes of nature.”


 

BIRD SYMPHONY (WORLD PREMIERE)

April 23-24, 2021 | Abravanel Hall

The season of premieres from Composer in Association Arlene Sierra concludes with her Bird Symphony, drawing from materials collected in her piano album “Birds and Insects, Book 2”


VIRTUAL EVENTS

 

WORLD PREMIERE: FANFARE OF HOPE AND SOLIDARITY

Music Director Thierry Fischer called Augusta in April 2020 to invite her to create a new, four-minute fanfare that could be performed by the Utah Symphony, with the stipulation that each musician would be performing alone from their homes. Fanfare of Hope and Solidarity was composed in late April and early May and it was a mere two weeks from that phone call until the time that Augusta delivered a full orchestral score and set up orchestral parts.


ARTICLES

10 CONTEMPORARY FEMALE COMPOSERS THAT WE LOVE

It’s no secret that at Utah Symphony | Utah Opera, we love contemporary composers. The world of classical music is so much more than Bach, Beethoven, and Mozart (although we love them too)! Without new, and sometimes controversial, music that pushed boundaries in their day, we wouldn’t have many of the iconic works we enjoy today.


10 TRAILBLAZING FEMALE COMPOSERS YOU NEED TO KNOW

Typically when people think of Mozart, Schumann, and Mendelssohn, they might think of Wolfgang, Robert, and Felix. But far too often, we overlook their female counterparts: Nannerl, Clara, and Fanny who were just as talented (if not more!) To get you familiar with some of these fabulously talented ladies, we made a list for you with some recommended listening. We’re sure you’ll find a new favorite composer!


POSTPONED EVENTS

CONDUCTING MASTERCLASS – POSTPONED

March 28, 2020 | 10 am – 12:30 pm | University of Utah – Gardner Hall – Room 272

Join a panel of professional conductors for a special workshop intended to encourage and provide experience in the field of conducting. The invitation is especially extended to women interested in conducting, as part of our Women of Notes Cultural Festival, but all genders of conductors are welcome.


WOMEN OF NOTES (IN PAROWAN) – POSTPONED

Apr 2, 2020 | 7:00 pm | The Aladdin Theatre

Works for the stage by women, including two miniature operas by Utah composers.


THE LOCUST – POSTPONED

June 5 and 7, 2020 | Natural History Museum of Utah

A short opera exploring the disappearance of the Rocky Mountain Locust, co-presented by Utah Opera and the Natural History Museum of Utah, as part of NHMU’s annual Bugfest. The Locust was composed by Anne Guzzo and written by librettist Jeffrey A. Lockwood and will be conducted by Michaella Calzaretta, Utah Opera Chorus Master. Tickets will be available through the NHMU website.


PAST EVENTS

 

COMPOSER PRESENTATION

Oct 18, 2019 | 12-1 pm | University of Utah School of Music, Dumke Recital Hall


 

MASTERCLASS IN SONGWRITING FOR THE THEATER

Oct 19, 2019 | 11 am -1 pm | Utah Opera Production Studios Rehearsal Hall

Free – online sign-up


WOMEN OF NOTES (IN GUNNISON)

Nov 6, 2019 | 7:00 pm | Casino Star Theatre

Works for the stage by women, including two miniature operas by Utah composers.


DEBUSSY’S LA MER

Jan 3-4, 2020 | 7:30 pm | Abravanel Hall

This classical music concert of works by Beethoven, Edgar Meyer and Debussy also includes Arlene Sierra’s Moler. 


WOMEN OF NOTES (IN ST. GEORGE)

Feb 7, 2020 | 7:00 pm | The Electric Theatre

Works for the stage by women, including two miniature operas by Utah composers.


MAYA MIRO JOHNSON | THIS IS UTAH: NEXT GEN

Feb 13, 2020 | 7:00 pm

Maya Miro Johnson is an emerging composer and conductor.  Trained as a violinist, she also creates and philosophizes through dance, theater, and the written word. She will be one of three young people featured on This Is Utah: Next Gen.


WOMEN OF NOTES (IN SALT LAKE CITY)

Feb 14, 2020 | 7:00 pm | The Clubhouse

Concert by Utah Opera Resident Artists, and celebration of the 150th anniversary of the first woman’s vote in Utah.  Co-presented with Better Days 2020.


WOMEN ROCK!

Feb 14-15, 2020 | 7:30 pm | Abravanel Hall

Concert with Utah Symphony and guest artists honoring the female singers and songwriters of Pop and Rock & Roll.


WOMEN OF NOTES (IN OGDEN)

Feb 20, 2020 | 7:00 pm | Ogden Union Station (Browning Auditorium)

Works for the stage by women, including two miniature operas by Utah composers.


 

 

VIRTUAL COMPOSER CHAT

Apr 3, 2020 | 11 am – 12 pm

Free and open to the public.

 


MAYA MIRO JOHNSON | CONDUCTORS IN DISCUSSION

May 14, 2020 | 10:00 am

Maya Miro Johnson, recipient of both the Schuman and Surinach Prizes in this year’s BMI Student Composer Awards, is an emerging composer and conductor.

Trained as a violinist, she also creates and philosophizes through dance, theater, and the written word. She will be one of six conductors featured.