Thank You, Heather Wilhelm
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
Welcome, Lindsay Fife Szczesny
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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