From the Board

Alyce Gardner

There is nothing quite like a live Symphony performance. From the first downbeat to the final note, far-reaching benefits linger beyond the concert hall. The complexity and richness of symphonic music engage the brain in unique ways, alleviating stress and augmenting creativity, memory, attention, and problem-solving skills. For example, the serene, soothing melodies of Beethoven’s 6th “Pastoral” Symphony can promote relaxation and reduce anxiety. Mozart’s Symphony No. 40 in G minor has been linked to cognitive enhancement and mood elevation.

In addition to the mental and physical benefits, symphonic music plays a vital role in enriching our community. It creates a sense of unity, inclusivity, cultural appreciation, and emotional connection. It provides a platform for local artists and supports economic growth. By offering educational programs and outreach initiatives, symphonic music also inspires the next generation, cultivating a love for the arts that will resonate for years to come. Ultimately, engaging with the Southwest Symphony is good medicine for body and soul, improving the quality of life for all.

Special thanks to Ashton & Associates for being our Maestro Sponsor for the 2024-2025 season.

Message from the Maestro

Lucas Darger

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.

Special thanks to Black Desert for being our Beethoven Musician Sponsor for the 2024-2025 season.

Thank you to our Concert Donors: State Bank of Southern Utah

Casey Harris – Trumpet

Gold Medalist:
Casey Harris

Southwest Symphony Young Artist Competition

Casey will be playing 'Concerto for Trumpet and Orchestra' with the symphony tonight.

Casey Harris is a dedicated trumpet player and sophomore at Brigham Young University, studying trumpet performance under Dr. Randy Lee. In 2022, she won the Timpanogos Symphony Orchestra's Young Artist Competition. Additionally, Casey serves as a trumpet player in the 23rd Army Band in the Utah Army National Guard. Beyond her musical endeavors, she is a devoted athlete and a member of the BYU Women's Rugby Team. Balancing her passion for both performance and athletics, Casey exemplifies commitment and versatility in her pursuits, showcasing her dedication to excellence in music and sports.

Program Notes

Meet Our Musicians

Southwest Symphony Members

Rachel France – Concertmaster
Debbie Hafen – Assistant Concertmaster
Kaylie Benites
Janna Brown
Andy Davidson
Kayl Gunther
Saya Hart
Lucinda King
Julia Monson
Amber Morris
Lacey Young

Joie Whittaker – Principal
Lichelle Jones – Assistant Principal
Camille Allton
Kristen Kjar
Jim Laudie
Cyndy Martin
NonaMarie Miller
Melanie Nielsen
Bryn Tafoya
Debbie Thornton
Tammy Tremea

Linda Ghidossi-DeLuca – Principal
Shay Seaich – Assistant Principal
Jillene Callahan
Norman Fawson
Kevin Lasnier
April Olsen
Ashlyn Wagner

Ka-Wai Yu – Principal
Peter Romney – Assistant Principal
Ethan Allen
Calla Beykirch
Kamille Brooks
Longo Chu
Joe Duwel
Ann Evans
Sandy Gustaveson
Kent McDonald
MaryAnn Oram
Mia Taylor
Debra Vradenburg

Deni Jones – Principal
Whitney Alvey
Ed Candland
Amy Gardner
Braxton Leavitt
John Sieb
Will Walker

Maggie Maxfield – Principal
Audrey Peterson

Bailey Garcia

Katrina Jones – Principal
Derek Cochran
Cassey Flinders (piccolo)
Darlene McCauley

Rhonda Rhodes (Oboe, Bass Oboe) – Principal
Jacob McGary
Tami Sillitoe

Brooklyn Peterson

Melissa Bennion – Principal
Chris Flinders (Bass)
Greg Johnston
Audrey Wood

Shannon Arslanian - Principal
Benjamin Bradshaw (contrabassoon)
Carolyn Johnston
Ashley Rhoden

David Lintz - Principal
Randy Bassuener
David Hay
Leslie Lintz
Emma Mancuso
Camilla Overson
Hayley Winslow

Jared Nicholson – Principal
LuWayne Barber
Nic Johnson
Amy Paterson

Timothy Francis – Principal
Steven Davis
Nate McGary

Aaron Staheli
Jay Nygaard (tenor)

Caitlyn Rollo – Principal
Dominic Dodge
Bradley Jensen (timpani)
Tyson Jones
Sonia Roberts

Pre-Show and Guest Artist:
Youth Symphony of Southern Utah

VIOLIN I
Laneah Webb
Savanna Brimley
Tommy Davidson

VIOLIN II
Ali Anderson
Lynn Sakita
Ciara Ross-Hill

VIOLA
Nevaeh Thomson
Cassidy Fleming

CELLO
Tristan Devaney
Eva Shumway
Taizen Thomas Wong

BASS
Addison Oakden

About Youth Symphony of Southern Utah

Guest Artist:
Chamber Singers

Soprano I
Shannon Rae
Valerie Knapp
Rachel Cox

Soprano II
Alicia Poppe
Julie Vistaunet
Mary Wilde

Alto I
Hilary Ferguson
Brooke Staheli
Madison Humphries

Alto II
Julie Grygla
Mindi Barker
BJ Cox

About The Chamber Singers

Join our email list for announcements & offers.

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.