MUSIC EDUCATION OFFERINGS FOR STUDENTS
Providing opportunities for students in our community to learn about classical music is an important part of the Utah Symphony’s mission. We offer a variety of opportunities for individual students and classes to experience the Utah Symphony.
Salute to Youth Side-by-Side ConcertPERFORMANCE CLASSESHIGH SCHOOL MUSIC CLUBSOther Resources
SALUTE TO YOUTH
Entering its 66th year, the Salute to Youth concerto concert is a long-standing Utah Symphony tradition that celebrates and elevates outstanding young musicians from across the state.
Student musicians in piano, strings, winds, brass, percussion, harp, voice, and small ensemble are invited to audition for the opportunity to perform as a soloist with the Utah Symphony. Through this concerto competition, we aim to support, recognize, and inspire the next generation of artists in Utah.
Auditions are adjudicated by a distinguished panel of Utah Symphony musicians and guest judges who evaluate both technical skill and musical expression. Preliminary auditions take place in July, with the final round held in September.
Up to two winners from each division will be selected to perform with the Utah Symphony on Wednesday, November 18, 2026.
Applications open May 1, 2026.
For questions, please contact James Wesson at [email protected].
APPLICANT DIVISIONS
| DIVISION | PIANO | STRINGS | WINDS | BRASS | PERCUSSION | HARP | VOICE |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Elementary | Age 8-12 | Age 8-12 | N/A | N/A | N/A | Age 8-12 | N/A |
Junior | Age 13-15 | Age 13-15 | Age 13-17 | Age 13-17 | Age 13-17 | Age 13-15 | Age 16-18 |
Senior | Age 16-19 | Age 16-19 | Age 18-21 | Age 18-21 | Age 18-21 | Age 16-19 | Age 19-23 |
| ENSEMBLE: Groups are allowed to be mixed in age/division. Students do not need to be in the same division as each other when performing together as an ensemble. |
|---|
SIDE-BY-SIDE CONCERT
Utah Symphony invites high school aged students (grades 10-12) to audition to play in a concert side by side with Utah Symphony musicians. This unique experience gives students valuable mentorship from world-class musicians as well as the opportunity to perform next to them on the Abravanel Hall stage. Students will have rehearsals with Utah Symphony Assistant Conductor Jessica Rivero Altarriba, Creative Partner David Robertson, and Music Director Designate Markus Poschner as well sectional coachings with Utah Symphony musicians. Students will then perform side by side with Utah Symphony under the direction of Markus Poschner on Tuesday, May 19 at 7:30 PM.
IMPORTANT DATES
- February 13 – Deadline to submit application, payment, and recording
- February 25 – Selected students announced
- April 14 – Rehearsal
- April 21 – Rehearsal
- April 27 – Rehearsal
- May 4 – Rehearsal
- May 12 – Rehearsal
- May 18 – Rehearsal
- May 19 – Concert
The application for the 2026 Side-by-Side Concert is now closed.
If you have any questions please email [email protected].
PERFORMANCE CLASSES
Utah Symphony | Utah Opera hosts performance classes with our musicians as well as visiting guest artists. The public is welcome to observe these classes. There are currently no performance classes scheduled. To be notified when performance classes happen, please sign up for our monthly education newsletter.
HIGH SCHOOL MUSIC CLUBS
Enjoy great performances at a special low price in collaboration with Utah Symphony | Utah Opera! Gather your students (or classmates) and choose 4+ performances to create your custom package.
Who is invited to attend?
- High School students may order tickets and attend on their own.
- Teachers and non-teacher adults are invited to accompany students as chaperones (only 1 adult per 7 students).
Which performances are eligible?
- Select Utah Symphony Masterworks and Pops performances*
- Friday and Saturday evenings, start times may vary
- All performances at Maurice Abravanel Hall
- Utah Opera-Tunities Final Dress Rehearsals
- Thursday nights at 7 PM
- 4 rehearsals scheduled at JQL Capitol Theatre
- Utah Symphony at The Noorda
- Thursday nights at 7:30 PM
- 2 concerts at The Noorda Center for the Performing Arts (UVU in Orem)
*Some restrictions may apply. Contact USUO Patron Services for assistance.
How much are tickets?
- Students:
- Public and Charter Schools: $5/Symphony; Operas are FREE
- Private and Home Schools: $5/Symphony; $5/Opera
- Advisors/Teachers:
- ONE adult may accompany students for FREE to each selected performance
- Public and Charter Schools: $20/Symphony; Operas are FREE
- Private and Home Schools: $20/Symphony; $5/Opera
- Additional Advisors/Teachers OR Non-teacher adult chaperones: $20/Symphony; $5/Opera
Want even more from your High School Music Club? Consider scheduling a tour of one of our buildings (Maurice Abravanel Hall or Utah Opera Production Studios), or a classroom introduction to one of the operas during the school day. Additional interests can be selected on STEP 5 of the online ticket request form.
SIGN UP today to explore the season and secure your seats!
OTHER RESOURCES FOR STUDENTS
