SALT

The Salt Lake Symphony (SLS) is a distinguished community orchestra based in Salt Lake City, Utah, celebrated for its volunteer-driven dedication to classical music. Established in 1976, the SLS has become a pillar of the Wasatch Front community, offering around 15 concerts annually. The orchestra is comprised of approximately seventy-five musicians who collectively volunteer about 10,000 hours each year to bring their passion for music to life. These individuals come from various backgrounds and professions but share a common love for music, which unites them and fuels their commitment to the orchestra. As a non-profit organization, the Salt Lake Symphony has a mission to provide the community with quality classical music concerts that are both affordable and informal. This approach has attracted audiences that may not typically attend classical music events, thereby broadening the reach and appreciation of the genre. The SLS is particularly focused on education and community engagement, with initiatives designed to introduce children to music and support local Utah performers, conductors, and composers. The musical direction of the SLS is led by Music Director and Conductor Robert Baldwin, who also serves as the Director of Orchestras and Professor of Conducting at the University of Utah. Baldwin is the founding conductor of Sinfonia Salt Lake and has a rich history of conducting and performing internationally. He is an advocate for music education and community involvement, as evidenced by his preconcert talks and music classes, which are well-received in the Utah arts community. Assistant Conductor Brandon Horrocks brings his expertise to the SLS, having previously held the position in the Spring/Summer of 2021. Horrocks is also the Music Director and Conductor of the Utah Philharmonic Orchestra and the Wasatch Symphony Orchestra. A doctoral student in Orchestral Conducting at the University of Utah, he balances his conducting responsibilities with his role as the Orchestra Librarian for the university orchestras and maintains his connection to the choral community through various engagements. The SLS is governed by a Board of Directors, consisting of members who not only play in the orchestra but also manage various administrative and operational aspects. This includes fundraising, music library management, grant writing, media relations, and financial oversight. The board members' dual roles as musicians and administrators underscore the volunteer spirit that is central to the SLS's ethos. The Salt Lake Symphony holds auditions for new members, inviting musicians to join their ranks and contribute to the orchestra's vibrant community. These auditions are open to a range of positions, including principal and section strings, percussion, and timpani, with specific repertoire requirements outlined for each role. In summary, the Salt Lake Symphony is a community orchestra that exemplifies the spirit of volunteerism and dedication to classical music. Through its performances, educational outreach, and commitment to local talent, the SLS continues to enrich the cultural landscape of the Wasatch Front and inspire a love for music across diverse audiences.