Index - SWS Program

Alyce Gardner

Message from the Board.

On behalf of the Board of Directors and the entire symphony family, it is my pleasure to welcome you to a new season filled with the magic of live music and the joy of shared experiences. We are thrilled to present an extraordinary lineup of performances that promises to captivate your hearts and minds. Each concert offers a unique opportunity to engage with the art of symphonic music, showcasing both timeless classics and innovative compositions. We eagerly anticipate moving into our new Symphony home at the renovated Cox auditorium next summer and hope you will continue to join us as we celebrate this monumental achievement. Thank you for your unwavering support and generosity which makes the music possible. We can’t wait to make beautiful memories together this season!

Lucas Darger

Message from the Maestro

Every time I stand before these remarkable musicians, I am overwhelmed with gratitude—not just for the opportunity to do what I love, but for the privilege of doing it alongside such a dedicated and talented group of people. Music, as many of you know, has the unique power to move us, to connect us in ways that transcend words, and it’s this connection that makes each performance special.

What makes an orchestra so powerful is that it’s never the work of one individual. It takes all of us—musicians, staff, board members, donors, and you, our patrons—coming together with a shared love of music and a belief in its transformative impact. Through this collective effort, we create something that’s much bigger than any one of us, something that resonates deeply with everyone who experiences it. I truly believe that the music we share has a profound effect on all involved, and for that, I am deeply thankful.

As we look toward to the future, there is much to be excited about. We are hopeful that the renovation of our home will move swiftly, and in the meantime, we are immensely grateful to Desert Hills for hosting us and to all of you for your continued support during this transition.

This season promises to be one of our best yet, filled with performances that will inspire and uplift. I hope tonight’s music touches you in a meaningful way, and that you’ll continue to be part of this journey with us. Together, we’re creating moments that stay with us long after the last note fades—and I can’t wait to see what we’ll accomplish together.

Concert Sponsor

Guest Artist: Michelle Sundwall

Known for her “truly stellar voice” (The Deseret News), Michelle Sundwall has captivated audiences across the United States and Europe. Her skillset covers a variety of genres ranging from classical to jazz, and sacred to musical theatre. Recent roles include Marie/Fairy Godmother in Cinderella (The Ruth and Nathan Hale Theatre), Sister Marie in The Magician’s Elephant, Ida Strauss in Titanic, Miss Andrew/Bird Woman in Mary Poppins (Hale Centre Theatre Sandy), Mother Abbess in The Sound of Music (HCTO), and Nettie in Carousel.

In the concert and classical realm, Michelle has performed in multiple opera roles including Musetta in La Bohème and as a featured soloist in Handel’s Messiah. She has been recognized for her portrayal of Mary Magdalene in Rob Gardner’s Lamb of God. Her versatility and depth as an artist led her to become a finalist in the American Traditions Vocal Competition in Savannah, Georgia. Michelle holds a Master’s degree in Vocal Performance from Brigham Young University and has released an album, My Reason.

Michelle resides in Utah where she enjoys teaching voice, directing choirs, writing, making delicious food, serving in church, growing flowers, and seeking out all things beautiful. Together with her husband, Pete, she delights in playing cheerleader for her five children and seven grandchildren.

www.michellesundwall.com

Program Notes

Pre-Show Artists
Layton Performing Arts (Friday only)

Meet our Musicians

Violin I

Rachel France – Concertmaster
Debbie Hafen – Assistant Concertmaster
Kaylie Benites
Saya Hart
Julia Monson
Natalie Nelson
Tonya Summers
Cassidee Torres
Kimberly Warburton
Lacie Young

Violin II

Joie Whittaker – Principal
Lichelle Jones – Assistant Principal
Kristen Kjar
Jim Laudie
Melanie Nielsen
Bryn Tafoya
Debbie Thornton
Tammy Tremea

Viola

Shaylin Seaich – Principal
Kevin Lasnier – Assistant Principal
Robert Fawson
Chasta Martin
April Olsen

Cello

Ka-Wai Yu – Principal
Peter Romney – Assistant Principal
Gordon Larsen Chair
Ethan Allen
Longo Chu
Joe Duwel
Ann Evans
Mia Taylor
Debra Vradenburg

Bass

Deni Jones – Principal
Ed Candland
Shawn Hanson
Joshua Monson
John Sieb
Will Walker

Guitar

Chad Roundy - Principal

Harp

Maggie Maxfield – Principal
Savanna Krogh

Piano

Christian Bohnenstengel

Flute

Katrina Jones - Principal
Sandra Bodrero
Cassey Flinders

Oboe

Tami Sillitoe – Principal
Carolee Bowen

English Horn

Marcus Phillips

Clarinet

Melissa Bennion – Principal
Chris Flinders (bass)
Greg Johnston

Bassoon

Shannon Arslanian - Principal
Carolyn Johnston

Horn

Leslie Lintz - Principal
Randy Bassuener
David Hay
Tabitha Nygaard

Trumpet

Byron Ward – Principal
LuWayne Barber
Austin Bench
Nic Johnson

Trombone

Timothy Francis – Principal
Steven Davis
David Lanzel
Nate McGary

Tuba

Aaron Staheli

Percussion

Caitlyn Rollo – Principal
Logan Hadlock
Tyson Jones
Grace Palfreyman
Rhett Powell
Sonia Roberts (timpani)

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Mission

We inspire and enrich audiences through the transformative power of symphonic music. As the cultural heart of the community, we share the beauty of music through educational and entertaining performances.

Vision

Our vision is to become the Southwest region's premier orchestra.

Values

• We value our legacy and dedicate our efforts to maintaining our position as the cultural heart of our community.
• We serve our community and respect our commitment to perform quality symphonic music.
• We value transparency, honesty, integrity, and ethical stewardship.
• We are strategically minded. We are action-oriented and plan for our future sustainability.
• We value creative collaboration and cooperation with arts, education, and civic and business partners in the community.
• We value diversity and innovation as we strive for cultural inclusion and excellence.
• We are dedicated to life-long learning and impacting student-centered achievement and growth.

Message from the Board.

Message from the Maestro

Concert Sponsor

Guest Artist: Michelle Sundwall

Pre-Show Artists
Layton Performing Arts (Friday only)