Utah Valley Symphony

Lincoln's words, spoken by UVU's new president. 🇺🇸

UVU President Jon Anderson narrates Copland's Lincoln Portrait at the Noorda. Violinist Joanna Kurkowicz performs the Chaconne from The Red Violin, and the orchestra closes with Gershwin's An American in Paris.

🗓 Fri., Oct. 23 • 7:30 PM • The Noorda, Orem
Bring your family, your roommates, your section.

https://www.utahvalleysymphony.org/portraits-of-america/

“Fellow citizens, we cannot escape history.” — Abraham Lincoln

In Aaron Copland's Lincoln Portrait (1942), Lincoln's own words are spoken over a full orchestra. It's one of the most moving pieces of American music ever written, and we're performing it for America's 250th.

Narrated by Governor Gary Herbert (Thu., Oct. 22, Covey Center, Provo) and UVU President Jon Anderson (Fri., Oct. 23, the Noorda, Orem).

Tickets at https://www.utahvalleysymphony.org/portraits-of-america/

Lincoln's words, spoken by one of Utah's own. 🇺🇸

For America's 250th year, former Utah Governor Gary Herbert narrates Copland's Lincoln Portrait. Violinist Joanna Kurkowicz performs the Chaconne from The Red Violin, and the orchestra closes with Gershwin's An American in Paris.

🗓 Thu., Oct. 22 • 7:30 PM • Covey Center, Provo
Bring the whole family.

Tickets and more info here: https://www.utahvalleysymphony.org/portraits-of-america/

Thank you, Covey Center for the Arts, for this beautiful interview with our soloist, Joanna Kurkowicz!

Hear her perform the fiery Chaconne from The Red Violin at Portraits of America:

• Thursday, Oct. 22 • 7:30 PM • Covey Center, Provo with special guest Governor Gary Herbert

Tickets: utahvalleysymphony.org/portraits-of-america

World-renowned violinist, Joanna Kurkowicz, reflects on her Polish roots and her lifelong journey towards adventure as part of the Utah Valley Symphony "Portraits of America" show coming to the The Covey on October 22. A Covey Insider exclusive.

https://bit.ly/3VTZPvJ

Two nights. Two narrators. One American story.

For America's 250th year, Portraits of America brings Lincoln's words to life with two very special guests narrating Copland's Lincoln Portrait:

Thu., Oct. 22 • Covey Center, Provo — former Utah Governor Gary Herbert�Fri., Oct. 23 • The Noorda, Orem — UVU President Jon Anderson

Both nights, violinist Joanna Kurkowicz performs the fiery Chaconne from The Red Violin, and the orchestra closes with Gershwin's An American in Paris.

Pick your night and bring the whole family. 7:30 PM.�Tickets: utahvalleysymphony.org/portraits-of-america

🎻 Calling all young musicians! 🎹

The Utah Valley Symphony is proud to announce the 2026–2027 Young Artists Competition, a Utah Valley tradition since 1990. There are two ways to take the stage with us:

🎶 SOLO COMPETITION
Prepare a concerto movement or aria and compete for the chance to perform as a soloist with the Utah Valley Symphony!
- Video auditions: October 1–30
- Live semifinal auditions: November 14, 2026
- Young Artists Concert: February 26, 2027
Open to musicians age 25 and younger.

🎶 GROUP PERFORMANCE
This year we're featuring viola and bass! Perform alongside the Symphony in our School Concert.
- Viola: Telemann – Concerto in G Major, 2nd movement
- Bass: Sweet Georgia Brown
- Video auditions: October 1, 2026 – January 4, 2027
- School Concert: February 26, 2027
Open to high school students and younger.

Registration opens October 1! Learn more and register:
👉 utahvalleysymphony.org/youngartists

Questions? Email [email protected]

🇺🇸 A SYMPHONY OF FREEDOM: Celebrating America at 250 🇺🇸

The Utah Valley Symphony invites you to join us for a special summer concert celebrating the 250th anniversary of America!

This program brings together some of the most exciting and recognizable music connected to the American experience, including Tchaikovsky’s 1812 Overture, Copland’s Hoe-Down, selections from Bernstein’s West Side Story, and Maxfield’s Always Be Turning.

We’re thrilled to feature soprano Amy Shreeve Keeler, soprano Britani Bateman, tenor David Smith, Principal Conductor Cheung Chau, and Associate Conductor Blanka Bednarz.

📅 Saturday, August 15, 2026
🕖 7:00 PM
📍 The Orchard at University Place
575 East University Parkway, Orem, Utah
🎟️ FREE ADMISSION

Come celebrate 250 years of American history, music, and freedom with the Utah Valley Symphony! Bring your friends and family—we’d love to see you there. 🇺🇸🎶

We have one more audition announcement—we’re also looking for a clarinetist!

If you play clarinet or know someone who does, we’d love to have you audition for the Utah Valley Symphony. Auditions will be held on August 19.

Please prepare:
• A 3-minute solo (no accompanist required)
• The required orchestral excerpts
• Sight-reading
• A brief biography with your contact information

Audition requirements, excerpts, and registration information are available at the link in the comments (or visit our website).

Know a great clarinetist? Tag them below or share this post to help us spread the word!

The Utah Valley Symphony is accepting auditions for Violin, Flute 2/Piccolo, and Bassoon on Wednesday, August 19.

We are a volunteer community orchestra dedicated to presenting high-quality orchestral performances while fostering a welcoming and collaborative musical community. Whether you’re looking to return to orchestral playing or are searching for a new ensemble, we invite qualified musicians to audition.

Candidates should prepare:
• A brief biographical sketch
• One 3-minute solo (no accompanist required)
• Standard orchestral excerpts
• Sight-reading

Rehearsals are held Wednesday evenings in Provo, with each concert cycle typically consisting of 4–7 rehearsals.

To view audition requirements, download excerpts, and learn more, visit:
https://www.utahvalleysymphony.org/auditions.php

To schedule an audition, email:
[email protected]

an honor to spend the evening with you, Utah valley! see you back again in August 🎵🫶🏼