A New Era: The Inaugural Concert
A New Home. A Legacy Continued. A Historic Night.
Ten years ago, the Southwest Symphony began a new chapter under the baton of Maestro Lucas Darger. This season, that journey reaches a milestone as we return to our newly renovated home at the America First Performing Arts Center. This inaugural performance doesn't just open a season; it opens a new chapter for the arts in Southern Utah.
Be among the first to experience the breathtaking acoustics of the hall as we officially cut the ribbon on this world-class stage. We are thrilled to be joined by global sensation Steven Sharp Nelson of The Piano Guys for a performance that bridges the gap between classical tradition and modern innovation.
From Beethoven’s Fifth and the 1812 Overture to the electric energy of "Secrets" and "Kung Fu Panda," this concert is a celebration of where we’ve been and where we are going. It is an evening that embodies the heart and soul of the Southwest Symphony. Join us as we celebrate ten seasons of music and the beginning of a bold new era.
A Night at the Oscars with Eric Rigler
Experience the soundtracks of cinema’s most iconic moments performed by the musician who helped create them. Eric Rigler, recognized as the world’s most recorded uilleann piper and whistler, brings the soaring melodies of Hollywood to the stage for a sophisticated evening of film music. From the haunting strains of Braveheart and Titanic to the driving energy of How to Train Your Dragon, this performance highlights the raw emotional power that the bagpipes and pennywhistle lend to the silver screen.
The program moves beyond standard orchestral arrangements to offer a deep dive into the textures of Academy Award-winning scores. Alongside the rugged, frontier themes of Last of the Mohicans, the ensemble will deliver an evocative rendition of music from The Godfather. This is a high-caliber musical event designed for film enthusiasts and fans of world-class instrumentation alike, celebrating the definitive sounds of modern cinematography.
Sounds of the Season
Join us for Sounds of the Season, an evening dedicated to the quintessential sounds of the season. The program features a balance of high-energy orchestral favorites and reverent classics, from the rhythmic pace of Sleigh Ride to the iconic themes of The Nutcracker. It’s a straightforward celebration of holiday tradition, performed with the scale and impact of a full orchestra.
The performance shifts from grand instrumental works to standout vocal features, bringing guest soloists to the stage for definitive takes on O Holy Night and Silent Night. This is a sharp, polished seasonal experience that skips the clichés in favor of great music. Secure your seats for a premier holiday event in the heart of Southern Utah.
Shostakovich’s Fifth Symphony
Experience the raw power of one of the 20th century’s most significant musical works as the Southwest Symphony presents Shostakovich’s Symphony No. 5. Written at the height of the Soviet Great Purge, this symphony is a gripping exploration of defiance and survival, moving from stark, haunting passages to an unrelenting, thunderous finale. Led by conductor Lucas Darger, the performance brings this massive score to life with the intensity and precision it demands.
The evening also highlights the future of the art form. The orchestra will be joined by the Gold Medalist of the Young Artist Competition for a featured concerto movement, showcasing the technical skill of a rising star. Opening the program is a special side-by-side performance with the Zion Youth Symphony, bringing together seasoned professionals and emerging local talent. It is a night of high-stakes music that balances the prestige of a masterwork with the energy of the next generation.
Rob Gardner’s Lamb of God: An Easter Oratorio
Rob Gardner’s Lamb of God is a sacred oratorio that has become a modern tradition for audiences worldwide. This work recounts the final days of the life of Jesus Christ through the perspectives of those who knew him best—Peter, John, Thomas, and Mary Magdalene.
What sets this performance apart is its unique musical casting: the role of the Jesus is not sung, but is instead portrayed by the evocative voice of a solo cello. Accompanied by the full force of the Southwest Symphony, local soloists, and a combined choir, this production focuses on the human element of the Passion story.
Cho-Liang Lin plays BRAHMS
The Southwest Symphony welcomes one of the most distinguished violinists of our time, Cho-Liang Lin, for a performance of the monumental Brahms Violin Concerto. Known for his impeccable technique and lyrical warmth, Lin tackles a work that is as much a symphony for the violin as it is a solo showcase. Under the direction of conductor Lucas Darger, the program pairs Brahms’s muscular, virtuosic writing with a masterwork of contrast and light.
Complementing the intensity of the concerto is Beethoven’s Symphony No. 6, the "Pastoral." A departure from his more turbulent works, the "Pastoral" is a vivid, five-movement journey through the countryside, capturing everything from quiet morning walks to a crashing summer storm. This concert brings together two titans of the German repertoire, offering an evening that balances the sheer brilliance of a world-class soloist with the immersive power of the full orchestra.