Salt Lake Symphony

The Salt Lake Symphony (SLS) is a distinguished volunteer-driven orchestra founded in 1976, serving the Wasatch Front community in Utah. As a non-profit organization, the Symphony has dedicated itself to the performance of classical music, offering approximately 15 concerts annually. The ensemble comprises around seventy-five dedicated musicians who collectively volunteer about 10,000 hours each year to achieve their mission. These individuals come from diverse backgrounds and often have full-time careers outside of music, but they share a common passion for music that fuels their commitment to the Symphony. The Salt Lake Symphony's mission is to be the leading community orchestra in the area, providing quality classical music concerts that are both affordable and informal. This approach has helped to draw audiences who might not typically attend classical music events. The Symphony prides itself on being an amateur orchestra in the truest sense, focusing on increasing community engagement and preserving the beauty and passion of classical music. Education is a key component of their mission, with ongoing initiatives to introduce music to children. The organization also provides a platform for Utah performers, conductors, and composers to showcase their talents. At the helm of the Salt Lake Symphony is Music Director and Conductor Robert Baldwin, who is also a Professor of Conducting and Director of Orchestras at the University of Utah. Baldwin is the founding conductor of Sinfonia Salt Lake, a professional chamber orchestra, and has a rich history of conducting and performing both nationally and internationally. His blog, Before the Downbeat, is recognized for its insights on music and creativity. Assistant Conductor Brandon Horrocks brings his expertise to the Symphony, having previously served in the same role in 2021. Horrocks is also the Music Director and Conductor of the Utah Philharmonic Orchestra and the Wasatch Symphony Orchestra. He is a doctoral student in Orchestral Conducting at the University of Utah and contributes to the choral community as a singer and educator. The SLS Board of Directors and Operating Officers are composed of individuals who not only play a role in the administrative and operational aspects of the organization but also actively participate as musicians within the Symphony. This includes Chair Dick Fox, Managing Director Marty McMillan, Librarian Mary Anne Peterson, and others who are responsible for various functions such as grant proposals, graphics and media relations, fundraising, financial records, and donor support. The Salt Lake Symphony holds auditions for musicians to join the orchestra, with specific openings for principal and section positions. These auditions showcase the Symphony's commitment to musical excellence and provide opportunities for talented musicians to be part of this vibrant community orchestra. Overall, the Salt Lake Symphony remains a vital part of Utah's cultural landscape, bringing classical music to life for audiences and fostering a love for the arts through performance, education, and community engagement.