Sunday, June 14, 2026

Audition Updates for 2026-2027 Season



Auditions for the Orchestra of Southern Utah
July 9 and 11: for new musicians and returning strings
July 23: Singers for first two concerts
Sept. 9: Video auditions for Halversen Young Artist Concert due
Check website myosu.org under Musicians tab for details

Audition Opportunities for the Orchestra of Southern Utah
By Amy Gold
The Orchestra of Southern Utah holds auditions in July for new members and returning strings. The audition excerpts are on the website, myosu.org, under the Musician tab. New musicians are welcome, as well as those returning after a break. “We are fortunate to work with such a wonderful group of musicians. We appreciate their musicianship, energy, and commitment in helping make this organization what it is, and we are excited for the season ahead,” said Harold Shirley, OSU President.
There is also an opportunity to solo with the orchestra for ages 13 to 25. Video auditions are due in September, so the summer is a good time to polish a concerto or aria. Same website for application and more information. The April concerto and aria concert honors R. L. Halversen. He taught a generation of teachers and performers in Cedar City while developing the local string programs. He was instrumental in building the community strings as well as helping start Cedar City Music Arts. Selected soloists will perform with a full 70-piece orchestra and receive a $500 honorarium, a digital recording, and the opportunity to be featured on OSU's website and YouTube channel.
Singer auditions for Magic in Motion and Rock Gold: Volume 4 will take place on July 23. See our website for information.
For more information contact Amy Gold at myosumanager@gmail.com. Previous concerts with photos and more on our social media at the osucedarcity.blogspot.com.
More information for the Halversen auditions: https://osucedarcity.blogspot.com/2026/05/






Tuesday, May 5, 2026

Halversen Young Artist Auditions Coming in September

 

Young Artists Concert Auditions

The Orchestra of Southern Utah invites talented youth ages 13–25 to audition with a concerto movement, aria, or orchestral solo. This concert honors Roy L. Halversen — a beloved teacher who instilled a love and legacy of music in Southern Utah.

Selected soloists will perform with a full 70-piece orchestra and receive a $500 honorarium, a digital recording, and the opportunity to be featured on OSU's website and YouTube channel.

KEY DATES
Video Audition DueSeptember 9, 2026
Live AuditionsSeptember 23, 2026
Soloists AnnouncedSeptember 30, 2026
PerformanceApril 15, 2027
QUALIFICATIONS
  • Ages 13–25 at time of performance
  • Must reside in Southern Utah or Utah
  • Concerto movement, aria, or orchestral solo — 15 minutes max

Application and more information at https://www.myosu.org/competitors

Mr. Roy L. Halversen helped establish orchestras in Cedar City.


Past performances:


Concert in 2025 photo by Aaron Gutierrez


2023

2020

2017


2013


Wednesday, April 29, 2026

Photos from Hal Campbell Composers Concert: April 9, 2026

Thanks to everyone involved in our spring concert. It was exciting to have the composers share their wonderful music. Concert program:  April program

Photos by Gannon Lovisa:

Concert composers




Photos from OSU staff and musicians:

Composers with conductors

 
OSU President Harold Shirley introduces the program

Concert master Lindsay Szczesny prepares to tune the orchestra

Decorations for lobby reception

Carrington Bonner provided lobby music. She is with Amy Gold, OSU Manager.

Staci Carlson and Shellee Younkin at the lobby reception table 

Frances Westwood and John Walser at the entrance for the concert. 


OSU Librarian Camilla Johnson and Assistant Conductor David Jordan gathering music after the concert.


Sorting music after the concert backstage

Concertmaster Lindsay Szczesny and family and after the concert


Reception to celebrate the season


Lisa Cox helped with the reception.


Violinist Emery Miles with family at the reception


Landon Fowles, composer, with family


Isaac Sumner, composer, with family


Composer Dr. Keith Bradshaw with musicians from Beaver 

Composer Dinner Before the Dress Rehearsal


Composers with OSU Conductors, Board, and Staff


OSU President Harold Shirley and Treasurer Diane Shirley with Ala Chelle staff before the dinner



Iris and lilacs for the dinner before the freeze the next week.


Lobby Set Up

Shellee Younkin helped with the display case for the lobby.