While Utah Symphony | Utah Opera presents performances nearly every week of the year, it’s somewhat rare that concerts feature one of history’s most popular instruments—an instrument that many people of all ages pick up to strum or pluck out chords and melodies, and unleash their creativity. This week, Utah Symphony presents its Guitar Celebrations Festival, a multi-day extravaganza that celebrates the diverse and captivating world of one of the most well-known instruments—the guitar. Crafted and directed by Utah Symphony | Utah Opera Creative Partner David Robertson, who understood that the familiar guitar could help bring new audiences to a symphony concert, the festival showcases eight world-class electric and acoustic guitarists in concerts performed at both Maurice Abravanel Hall and The State Room, intimate classes, workshops, and more. 

The festivities begin with a special concert performance at The State Room on April 16, featuring the eight great guitarists from Another Night on Earth. This group (of which Robertson himself is a member) began playing together over Zoom during the pandemic and hails from around the globe. This performance at The State Room will represent the group’s debut in-person performance together and will highlight the guitar’s sonic diversity with selections from the Middle Ages to present day art music. (The Utah Symphony does not perform on this concert.)  

On April 19 and 20, the Utah Symphony will share the stage with Another Night on Earth, representing the power of their collaboration with songs by The Beatles, works inspired by the Renaissance, and brand-new music. No guitar celebration would be complete without Rodrigo’s Concierto de Aranjuez, the most famous guitar concerto there is (audiences will recognize it immediately)—and it will be performed by South Korean guitarist and DJ, Jiji. Another highlight is Princeton-based composer Steven Mackey’s new electric guitar concerto, Aluminum Flowers, performed on April 20 only. In this work, the combination of guitar with a full orchestra will take the instrument’s possibilities to new heights. 

“The orchestra is like the giant mother of all effects pedals, explains Mackey. “It amplifies and supports the guitarist in its endeavors to be bigger than just six strings on a piece of wood.” Gretchen Menn, who will be the electric guitar soloist, shares that playing this concerto is one of the greatest challenges and honors of her professional life. During the evening performances, each of the seven guitarists will take their moment in the spotlight with the symphony one-by-one for unique pieces showcasing their instruments, before ultimately joining their talent together in a Frank Zappa finale!  

As these world-class artists come together for the Guitar Celebrations Festival, they will not only captivate audiences with their breathtaking performances, but also serve as mentors, collaborators, and educators. During the festival week, members of Another Night on Earth will share their expertise and their love of music with guitarists of all levels and music enthusiasts of all kinds through hands-on classes on Saturday, April 20. Participants can purchase an Afternoon Class Pass (available for $10-$20) to attend as many of the five classes as they like, before seeing the teachers they’ve learned from throughout the day show off their own talent alongside the symphony. (A complimentary “guitar check” will be available for class attendees who stay for the evening concert.) 

Throughout the day on Saturday, Class Pass holders and the general public are encouraged to browse the free Guitar Gear Exhibition held in the lobby of Abravanel Hall from 11 AM to 7 PM. More than a dozen vendors will be showcasing the finest instruments and cutting-edge guitar technology, allowing participants to explore, interact, and discover the latest innovations in guitar craftsmanship. 

To extend the festival’s mentored teaching approach and broaden its reach, 150 students will have the opportunity to observe a rehearsal for the mainstage program and Steven Mackey will teach a masterclass at the University of Utah.  

The Guitar Celebrations Festival embodies the Utah Symphony’s mission to connect the community through great live music, offering shared experiences of musical exploration. With educational opportunities for both children and adults, the festival pushes the boundaries of a mere concert experience, offering cultural exchanges, artistic expression, and personal growth for all involved, empowering Utah citizens to unlock their full artistic potential and enjoyment through interactions with industry experts.   

Tickets are available now for all festival events, beginning with the opening performance at The State Room, and concluding with the grand finale at Abravanel Hall! For more information, please visit utahsymphony.org/guitarfest.  

GUITAR CELEBRATIONS FESTIVAL LINEUP 

AN EVENING OF 8 GUITARS   

WITH ANOTHER NIGHT ON EARTH  

Friday, April 16, 2024 / 8:00 PM / The State Room  

Another Night on Earth, guitar ensemble  

David Robertson, guitar  

Steven Mackey, guitar  

Joe Gore, guitar  

James Moore, guitar  

Gretchen Menn, guitar  

Heiko Ossig, guitar  

Daniele Gottardo, guitar  

JIJI, guitar  

Utah Symphony  

Classical music and guitars of all kinds combine to kick off the Utah Symphony’s Guitar Celebrations Festival! Another Night on Earth is an ensemble like no other—made up of eight electric and acoustic guitarists based all over the world, coming together to perform music both classical and current. From melodies of the Middle Ages to present-day art music, Another Night on Earth will highlight the guitar’s sonic diversity! (Please note, the Utah Symphony does not perform on this concert.)    

TICKETS start at $25  

Afternoon Classes 

Saturday, April 20, 2024 / 12:00 PM – 5 PM / Maurice Abravanel Hall   

·         Learn a Led Zeppelin Tune with Gretchen Menn    

Saturday, April 20, 2024 / 12:00 PM / Maurice Abravanel Hall First Tier Room  
   

Join Gretchen Menn, and members of Zeppelin cover band Zapperella, as they guide you through the melodies and iconic riffs of legendary rock band Led Zeppelin! Unlock the secrets behind your favorite tunes as you learn what it takes to head bang with the best.    

    

·         Improvisation Techniques with James Moore    

Saturday, April 20, 2024 / 1:00 PM / Maurice Abravanel Hall Concert Hall  

Ready to riff? Dive into the captivating world of group improvisation with a hands-on workshop designed for guitarists and instrumentalists of all kinds. Led by James Moore, explore the dynamic realms of graphic notation, hand signals, and cue cards as tools for creative expression. This workshop is a fantastic opportunity to expand your musical vocabulary and experience the spontaneity and collaboration of improvisation firsthand.   

    

·         Sound Design for Electric Guitar with Joe Gore   

Saturday, April 20, 2024 / 2:00 PM / Maurice Abravanel Hall First Tier Room  

Join Joe Gore, a key contributor to Apple’s Logic Pro and GarageBand, as he unveils innovative techniques and strategies for sound design specifically tailored for the electric guitar. Discover the creative processes that bridge technology and musicianship—as well as unique insights to help craft your own signature sound.   

     

·         My Journey from Rock Band to Concert Hall with Steven Mackey  

Saturday, April 20, 2024 / 3:00 PM / Maurice Abravanel Hall Concert   

Take a trip down memory lane as composer Steven Mackey maps his journey. From his early days playing in rock bands across Northern California to gracing concert halls worldwide, discover how Mackey has masterfully woven his rock roots into his classical compositions.   

This intimate discussion offers a rare glimpse into the creative evolution of a musician who has seamlessly bridged the worlds of rock and classical music, providing invaluable insights for anyone interested in the art of composition and the power of musical fusion.   

    

·         Pre-Concert Chat with David Robertson & Steven Mackey   

Friday, April 19, 2024 / 6:45 PM / Maurice Abravanel Hall First Tier Room   
Saturday, April 20, 2024 / 4:45 PM / Maurice Abravanel Hall First Tier Room   

Don’t miss the minds behind the Guitar Celebrations Festival! Creative Partner David Robertson and composer Steven Mackey join together for an evening discussion of the culminating concert, sharing a behind-the-scenes look into how the program came together, as well as providing unique insights and perspectives on the performance ahead. This conversation is a must-attend for anyone looking to enrich their understanding and appreciation of the night’s musical offerings.   

AFTERNOON CLASS PASSES are $20 ($10 for students and under-30s) and provide admission to any or all of the above classes.  
 

Guitar Gear Exhibition 

Saturday, April 20, 2024 / 11:00 AM – 7:00 PM / Maurice Abravanel Hall Lobby 

In the lobby of Abravanel Hall, participants will immerse themselves in a world of guitar craftsmanship and innovation. Here, they can explore the latest in guitar technology, discover new sounds and styles, and connect with local vendors and custom guitar shops showcasing their finest instruments. More than a dozen guitar vendors will be in attendance, including:  

• Lister Custom Guitars   
• Steinbock Fine Instruments   
• Rask Guitars   
• Baldwin Custom Guitars   
• De Houtwinkel   
• Thorell Guitars   
• Peter Robbins Guitars   
• Hofmeister Guitars   
• Ben Gormly Guitars   
• RIP Custom Guitars   
• Chris Canfield Guitars   
• The Great Salt Lake Guitar Company   
• Space Llama Pickups   

 
FREE admission 

Guitar Celebrations: Jiji Plays Rodrigo’s Guitar Concerto  

Friday, April 19, 2024 / 7:30 PM / Maurice Abravanel Hall  

Saturday, April 20, 2024 / 5:30 PM / Maurice Abravanel Hall  

David Robertson, conductor and guitar  

Another Night on Earth, guitar ensemble  

Steven Mackey, guitar  

Joe Gore, guitar  

James Moore, guitar  

Gretchen Menn, guitar  

Heiko Ossig, guitar  

Daniele Gottardo, guitar  

Jiji, guitar  

Utah Symphony  

PROGRAM:  

STEVEN MACKEY: “Turn the Key”  

ARR. JOE GORE & DAVID ROBERTSON: Falling Through Time: Music from the 1300s  

Joe Gore, Electric Guitar  

(April 19) JAMES MOORE: Sleep is Shattered for Electric Guitar and Orchestra  

James Moore, Electric Guitar  

(April 20) STEVEN MACKEY: Aluminum Flowers for guitar and orchestra  

Gretchen Menn, Guitar  

ARR. LEO BROUWER: Beatlerianas (From Yesterday to Penny Lane)  

Heiko Ossig, Guitar  

DANIELE GOTTARDO: Concertino for Guitar and Orchestra  

Daniele Gottardo, Guitar  

RODRIGO: Concierto de Aranjuez  

Jiji, Guitar  

ZAPPA: G-Spot Tornado  

Creative Partner David Robertson concludes his first season with us! No guitar celebration would be complete without Rodrigo’s Concierto de Aranjuez, the most famous guitar concerto there is (you’ll recognize it immediately!)—and it’s performed by the South Korean guitarist and DJ so talented she only needs one name, Jiji. Altogether, seven sensational electric and acoustic guitarists take their moment in the spotlight with the symphony for arrangements of music by The Beatles and works with influences from the Renaissance to rock. Everyone on stage synthesizes their talent in a fantastic Frank Zappa finale!  

TICKETS start at $21   
50% STUDENT & UNDER-30 DISCOUNT   
   
PURCHASE NOW:    

·                     Online: utahsymphony.org   

·                     USUO mobile app   

·                     By Phone: USUO Patron Services, (801) 533-NOTE (6683)   

·                     In person: 123 W South Temple, Salt Lake City, Utah   

·                     ArtTix outlets   

   

Season Sponsor for Utah Symphony | Utah Opera is the George S. and Dolores Doré Eccles Foundation. The Utah Symphony expresses its gratitude to Masterworks Series Sponsor O.C. Tanner  

About Utah Symphony | Utah Opera  

Utah Symphony | Utah Opera connects Utah communities through great live music and is the flagship arts organization of the Intermountain West. USUO’s 87 full-time symphony musicians and five opera Resident Artists perform for more than 400,000 citizens in Utah and the Intermountain region each year, presenting more than 175 symphonic and chamber music performances; week-long runs of four full operas; and music education programs for students and adult learners. The organization’s statewide service includes tours featuring outdoor performances against the backdrop of Utah’s natural beauty as well as education offerings—most recently, the six-stop Music Elevated Tour in August 2023.   

Founded in 1940 and one of just 16 year-round orchestras in the U.S., the Utah Symphony performs at downtown Salt Lake City’s Maurice Abravanel Hall, at its Deer Valley Music Festival in Park City, in Utah Opera productions, and at venues throughout the state of Utah. The symphony has embarked on seven international tours and performed at Carnegie Hall in 2016 in honor of its 75th anniversary season. The orchestra’s celebrated recording legacy includes more than 100 recordings; in April 2023, its latest album featuring Messiaen’s Des canyons aux étoiles—a work inspired by three scenic Utah locations—was released to great critical acclaim. Thierry Fischer, who led the Utah Symphony as Music Director from 2014 to 2023, was named Music Director Emeritus beginning in the 2023-24 season.   

Since 1978, Utah Opera has provided citizens with distinguished and entertaining productions at Salt Lake City’s historic Janet Quinney Lawson Capitol Theatre—showcasing emerging and established artists, celebrating traditional works, and championing new works and the American operatic tradition. Utah Opera is one of just six opera companies in the U.S. with full production capabilities, including in-house costume design and set-building; the company currently has costumes for 50 productions and 19 full sets in its inventory. Utah Opera’s Resident Artist program is nationally recognized for providing invaluable career-training opportunities for professional singers and pianists.  

USUO leads in music education, with interactive and immersive education programs that engage and inspire tomorrow’s musicians and music-lovers. In the community and in classrooms, these programs serve more than 91,000 students annually and reach every school district in Utah on a three-year rotation.