In Residence with the Utah Symphony

Professor Arlene Sierra has been named Composer-in-Association with the Utah Symphony.

Over the upcoming 2020-2021 season, orchestra will perform U.S. premieres of her works “Aquilo” and “Nature Symphony” as well as giving the world premiere of a new commission, “Bird Symphony” in April 2021.

In addition to having her music performed, Professor Sierra will travel to the Symphony’s home of Salt Lake City to engage with the local community as an ambassador for contemporary music.

Music Director Thierry Fischer will lead the orchestra in the world premiere of “Bird Symphony”. South Korean conductor Shiyeon Sung, the first woman to win top prize in the Sir George Solti International Conductors’ Competition, will conduct “Aquilo” in November this year. Ludovic Morlot will lead the orchestra in the U.S. premiere of “Nature Symphony” in January 2021, having conducted the work’s world premiere with the BBC Philharmonic in Manchester in 2017.

Professor Sierra will also work with the Utah Symphony on a recording project with the New York classical label Bridge Records. Bridge have released three portrait discs of Arlene Sierra’s work in the last decade, including an orchestral disc with the BBC National Orchestra of Wales in 2014. It was this recording, along with the Latin GRAMMY nomination of her work “Moler,” that brought her music to the attention of the Utah Symphony. “Moler” was performed by the Utah Symphony in January 2020 to critical acclaim.

Professor Sierra said, "I have admired the work of Thierry Fischer and the Utah Symphony for many years, and particularly their commitment to the best in new music. It is a great thrill and honour to be invited to serve as Composer-in-Association, and I look forward to our upcoming artistic collaboration."