Professional Artists Inspire Southern Utah Musicians Through Special Masterclass Collaboration

 

Sometimes the most meaningful performances happen away from the concert stage.

This summer, the Orchestra of Southern Utah partnered with Utah Symphony | Utah 
Opera (USUO) to host a day of inspiring masterclasses, bringing world-class artists
together with local musicians for an unforgettable learning experience.
The collaboration grew from a simple conversation. As Utah Symphony | Utah Opera 
prepared for its Music Elevated State Tour through Southern Utah, the organization found 
itself with a day between performances in Cedar City and Bryce Canyon. Wanting to give 
back to the community, Ben Kipp of Utah Symphony | Utah Opera reached out to the 
Orchestra of Southern Utah with the hope of creating a meaningful educational opportunity.

 

Because the Orchestra of Southern Utah does not rehearse during the summer months, 
masterclasses proved to be the perfect fit.

 

Conducting students had the unique opportunity to study with conductor Connor Gray 
Covington, while vocalists received individualized coaching from acclaimed soprano 
Amy Owens. Participants included students from local schools and colleges alongside 
community musicians, creating a rich learning environment that welcomed musicians at 
every stage of their musical journey.

 

Five students participated in the conducting masterclass. Two conducted live musicians—
including a choir, string quartet, and pianist—while the remaining participants honed their 
skills conducting professional recordings, receiving personalized feedback throughout 
the process.

 

In the vocal masterclass, seven singers performed prepared selections for Amy Owens, 
who offered individualized coaching based on each student's performance. Through 
thoughtful instruction, singers explored vocal technique, musical interpretation, stage  
presence, and artistic expression, gaining practical insights they can carry into 
future performances.

 

The learning extended well beyond the participants. Community members, educators, 
families, and fellow musicians gathered to observe the masterclasses, discovering 
firsthand how professional artists refine performances through collaboration, careful 
listening, and thoughtful coaching. For many audience members, it was a rare opportunity 
to witness the artistic process unfold in real time.

 

The day reflected a shared commitment between the Orchestra of Southern Utah 
and Utah Symphony | Utah Opera to nurture the next generation of musicians while 
strengthening the musical arts throughout Southern Utah. By connecting aspiring 
 artists with accomplished professionals, the experience offered encouragement, 
inspiration, and practical guidance that will continue long after the final note was played.

 

The Orchestra of Southern Utah extends its sincere gratitude to Utah Symphony | Utah Opera, 
conductor Connor Gray Covington, soprano Amy Owens, and Ben Kipp for their generosity 
and commitment to music education. We are grateful for the opportunity to partner in bringing 
exceptional artistic experiences to our community and look forward to future collaborations 
that continue to inspire musicians of all ages.