Staying In Tune with OSU...
The Orchestra of Southern Utah opens the 2026-2027 Season with Magic in Motion.
As always, thanks to everyone involved. Special thanks to the SUU Music Department for allowing us to use their beautiful new Anne Okerlund Leavitt Concert Hall in the George S. and Dolores Doré Eccles Music Center
ALL Ages Welcome for the 6 p.m. Concert
Ages six and over for the 8 p.m. Concert, as this one will be recorded.
We are so excited to have you share this fun and exciting music.
Tickets at myosu.org
Your musical dreams come true on October 1 as the Orchestra of Southern Utah presents Magic in Motion, an evening featuring beloved musical favorites inspired by timeless stories and popular films.
The season-opening concert will take place at the new SUU Music Building, the George S. and Dolores Doré Eccles Music Center, at the corner of 300 West and University Boulevard. Two shorter performances will be offered to accommodate audiences, with patrons able to choose between a 6 p.m. or 8 p.m. concert. Tickets are now available at myosu.org.
The concert opens with the iconic main theme from Star Wars, composed by John Williams for the epic space film series that began with George Lucas's 1977 film. Williams's unforgettable music has become synonymous with adventure, imagination, and some of cinema's most beloved stories.
From a galaxy far, far away, the orchestra travels to the magical world of Cinderella. OSU Music Director Carylee Zwang leads “A Dream Is a Wish Your Heart Makes,” performed by Melissa Pack. Written for Disney's 1950 animated classic, the beloved song captures the hope and optimism at the heart of Cinderella's timeless story.
Tchaikovsky's “Sleeping Beauty Waltz” follows, capturing the romance and enchantment of another beloved fairy tale. The joyous music celebrates the return of a magical kingdom after it has fallen under the spell of an evil fairy.
The magic builds with Paul Dukas's The Sorcerer's Apprentice, made especially familiar to audiences through Disney's Fantasia. The music tells the story of a young apprentice whose attempts at magic quickly get out of hand. Inspired by a poem by Goethe, the story traveled from a German poem published in 1797 to Dukas's music in 1897 and eventually to Disney's beloved 1940 animated classic.
The performance continues with an energetic medley from Pirates of the Caribbean. The adventurous music, created by Klaus Badelt and Hans Zimmer for the 2003 Disney film, brings a swashbuckling spark to the concert.
Next, audiences enter the imaginative world of Alice in Wonderland through music by Danny Elfman. The music was written for Tim Burton's 2010 reimagining of Lewis Carroll's popular classic. These timeless stories continue to be reinterpreted because of their enduring connection with audiences of all ages.
Justin Olsen then takes the stage for “Under the Sea,” the lively favorite from Disney's The Little Mermaid. Hans Christian Andersen's 1837 fairy tale inspired the beloved film and musical, while Alan Menken's memorable music captures the spirit and adventure of the story.
The orchestra next performs Igor Stravinsky's The Firebird, which was featured in Disney's 2000 film Fantasia. OSU will perform the beautiful “Berceuse” and the rousing “Finale.” The story of a magical bird and a prince became the basis for the renowned ballet, which premiered in 1910.
The enchantment continues with music from Beauty and the Beast, another beloved story brought to life through unforgettable music. The evening then builds toward its conclusion with “Let It Go” from Disney's global sensation Frozen. Written by husband-and-wife songwriting team Robert Lopez and Kristen Anderson-Lopez, the song's soaring melodies will be performed by Kate Felt.
“Great stories continue to cast their magic through the years,” said Harold Shirley, OSU President.
Join your orchestra for a magical evening of music on Oct. 1. All ages are welcome at the 6 p.m. concert. Because the 8 p.m. performance will be recorded, babies and children under six are not permitted.
“We are excited to bring you this magical music,” said Carylee Zwang.
(poster design by Shelly Forsman)
The opening concert will be held in the new SUU Eccles Music Center, with all remaining concerts taking place at the Heritage Center Theater. Season tickets are now available at myosu.org.
Opening the season is Magic in Motion on Thursday, October 1. “We often receive requests for an earlier concert time for younger families, so this year we are offering a 6 p.m. performance with families in mind, along with an 8 p.m. option for our evening patrons,” said Amy Gold, OSU Manager.
Experience the power of music in motion as we launch the season with a program full of drama, color, and adventure. Featuring beloved selections from Sleeping Beauty Suite by Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky and Firebird Suite by Igor Stravinsky, alongside iconic themes from Pirates of the Caribbean and Star Wars, this opening concert celebrates music that moves both body and imagination. Both performances will be held in the SUU Eccles Music Center, located at 352 W. University Blvd.
On November 5 and 6, OSU presents Voices Amplified (Rock Gold: Volume Four). Feel the energy of symphonic rock as the orchestra brings legendary music to life. This electrifying program features hits from Santana, Coldplay, Lynyrd Skynyrd, Pat Benatar, Van Halen, Queen, and more, all reimagined for full orchestra. Two exciting evenings of powerful vocals and symphonic sound will celebrate the golden era of rock in bold, thrilling style. The concerts return to the Heritage Center Theater, where local vocalists, selected through auditions, will perform with the full symphony orchestra.
Jackie Riddle Jackson directs Cedar City's 86th annual performance of Handel's Messiah on December 13 and 14. This year's theme is Good Tidings to Zion. Vocal solo auditions will be held on October 8, and Chorale rehearsals begin October 18. This community tradition welcomes all singers, especially tenors and basses, to help balance the Chorale. Alex Byers serves as assistant conductor, with Sheri Butler providing administrative support. For Chorale information, contact soutchorale@gmail.com.
Generations have gathered for this beloved holiday tradition, where timeless music and a shared spirit create a meaningful and memorable experience. Thanks to generous sponsorship from Dixie and Anne Leavitt Foundation, the Leavitt Group, and State Bank of Southern Utah, this concert is free to the public. Because performances often fill to capacity, season ticket holders are guaranteed seating.
Celebrate the brilliance and artistry of women composers during Voices Discovered on February 25, 2027. Featuring works by Cécile Chaminade, Ethel Smyth, Marianna Martines, Caroline Shaw, and others, this elegant evening highlights composers whose contributions have shaped musical history with originality and grace. Audiences can look forward to an inspiring performance honoring creativity, expression, and enduring musical legacy.
The popular Children's Jubilee returns on February 27 with an afternoon concert designed for the entire family. All ages—including babies—are welcome for this special, shorter performance celebrating Imagination in Sound. Delight in orchestral selections that transport listeners to magical worlds and exciting adventures. Before the concert, families are invited to explore hands-on lobby activities that blend science, technology, engineering, art, and music in fun and interactive ways. This joyful event offers a welcoming introduction to live orchestral music for audiences of all ages. Donations to the SUU Hope Food Pantry are encouraged, with three cans of food accepted in place of a $5 admission.
The season concludes on April 15 with the biennial Roy L. Halversen Young Artist Concert, a celebration of emerging musical talent. Showcasing outstanding young performers selected through auditions, this inspiring program highlights the next generation of artists in collaboration with the orchestra. The evening culminates with the finale of Jean Sibelius's Symphony No. 2, bringing the season to a powerful and uplifting close.
Carylee Zwang serves as OSU Music Director and Conductor, with David Jordan as Assistant Conductor. Cedar City has a rich string tradition dating back to the pioneer era, and the Orchestra of Southern Utah was incorporated in 1988. Today, the orchestra is comprised of over seventy musicians, including both professional performers and dedicated community musicians.
Season tickets range from $52.50 to $69.00. Individual concert tickets are $18 for adults and $13 for students and seniors. Advance tickets are available at myosu.org, and tickets may also be purchased at the door. Please note that children under six are not permitted at evening concerts, as performances are recorded. Everyone is welcome at the afternoon Children's Jubilee.
For more information about the Orchestra of Southern Utah, contact Amy Gold at myosumanager@gmail.com.
Sometimes the most meaningful performances happen away from the concert stage.
This summer, the Orchestra of Southern Utah partnered with Utah Symphony | Utah
For the past ten years, Heather Wilhelm has served as the Orchestra of Southern Utah's concertmaster with extraordinary musicianship, dedication, and quiet leadership. Since stepping into the role in 2016, Heather has guided the orchestra with grace while inspiring fellow musicians and audiences alike.
Reflecting on her years as concertmaster, Heather shared:
"Early in my first season, a wise mentor said something along the lines of, 'Do your best, and God will fill in the rest.' I certainly found that to be the case. I grew as a person, violinist, musician, teacher, and member of the community in ways I couldn't have anticipated."
While Heather loved studying repertoire and preparing each performance, she says one of the greatest joys was the people she served alongside.
"I'm convinced that some of the very best people are OSU musicians."
Due to ongoing joint issues, Heather is stepping away from performing with the orchestra for now. She will continue sharing her love of music through her private violin studio, Suzuki Strings Cedar City, and by inspiring the next generation of musicians—including her own children.
Heather's leadership, kindness, and artistry have left an enduring mark on the Orchestra of Southern Utah. We are deeply grateful for her decade of service and look forward to the day we can welcome her back to the concert stage.
Photo: Heather Wilhelm was the soloist for Vivaldi’s Autumn from The Four Seasons in November 2016. Video
The Orchestra of Southern Utah is delighted to welcome Lindsay Fife Szczesny as our new concertmaster.
Lindsay's musical journey began in nearby Enoch, where she learned violin at age six as part of the neighborhood High Country Fiddlers, a group led by her mother. Performing in matching red sparkly vests at community events across Utah, Lindsay discovered early the joy of making music with others.
She smiles when she remembers always wanting to play the fast violin passages—sometimes before worrying whether every note was perfectly clean. That enthusiasm eventually grew into a lifelong pursuit of beautiful, expressive playing.
Lindsay studied with Sara Penny, Debbie Hafen, Jack Ashton, June Thorley, Dr. Kevin Call, Ted Ashton, Marjorie Bagley, and Rebecca McFaul before earning her bachelor's degree in Music Education from Utah State University in 2003. Earlier this year, she conducted the 2026 All-State Junior High String Orchestra at Abravanel Hall, a testament to her respected leadership as an educator.
Today, Lindsay teaches violin and viola through her private studio, helping students develop clarity, beautiful intonation, and expressive musicianship. She has continued to study violin pedagogy with nationally respected teachers Ed Sprunger, Sally Hicks, and Elise Winters, always seeking better ways to inspire young musicians.
When she's not teaching or performing, Lindsay enjoys thoughtful conversations about life with her husband, Stan, and playing games with their five children.
As she begins this new role, Lindsay shares:
"I'm looking forward to the new challenge of being the concertmaster of OSU, hoping to continue the legacy of leadership—and clear, resonant playing—established by concertmasters like Heather Wilhelm, LuAnn Brown, and other remarkable violinists in past years."
We are thrilled to welcome Lindsay into this important leadership role and look forward to the artistry, dedication, and vision she will bring to the Orchestra of Southern Utah.
As one chapter closes and another begins, we celebrate two exceptional musicians whose commitment to excellence reminds us that the Orchestra of Southern Utah is more than a performing ensemble—it's a community united by a shared love of music.
Photo: provided by Lindsay Fife Szczesny
Lindsay was the soloist for our Rock Gold: Volume Three concert. Video
Join us for our upcoming season: Stories In Sound. Tickets available at www.myosu.org
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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.
Application and more information at https://www.myosu.org/competitors
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| Mr. Roy L. Halversen helped establish orchestras in Cedar City. |
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| Concert in 2025 photo by Aaron Gutierrez |
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