Utah Symphony | Utah Opera Announces $15 Million Commitment From O.C. Tanner

Utah Symphony | Utah Opera has announced a transformative $15 million commitment from O.C. Tanner over a ten year period, an investment that underscores the company's unwavering dedication to the arts and cultural vibrancy of Utah.

This extraordinary gift is part of the newly established O.C. Tanner Key Signature Initiative, aimed at sustaining USUO's artistic and executive leadership positions and ensuring world-class programming for generations to come.

O.C. Tanner's commitment is divided into two impactful components, including outright support for key leadership positions within the organization, ensuring that USUO continues its legacy of artistic excellence and cultural impact, as well as a challenge to inspire other philanthropic leaders in Utah to join in building a brighter future for USUO. The commitment includes ongoing annual funding of $500,000, with an additional $10 Million to be made over a period of years, is part of a larger fundraising initiative designed to address critical undercapitalization and, with additional support, provide the necessary funding to support USUO's service to the local Utah community and stature as one of only 17 full-time orchestras in the United States and one of the nation's top regional opera companies.

“We are thrilled to be able to support USUO at this crucial time in its history,” said Stephen Tanner Irish, representing the O.C. Tanner family and reflecting on the enduring relationship between his grandfather, Obert C. Tanner, and Utah Symphony's beloved conductor, Maurice Abravanel. “The Symphony and Opera represent the crown jewel of our community's cultural vitality. We believe in their mission and encourage others to participate by attending performances and supporting the organization.”

The announcement of this historic gift coincides with the recent appointment of Markus Poschner as USUO's new Music Director, marking the beginning of an exciting new chapter in Utah Symphony's illustrious history. O.C. Tanner's investment is a resounding vote of confidence in the vital role USUO plays within Utah's cultural fabric, its prominence as the heartbeat of downtown Salt Lake City, and its impact as an ambassador for the state of Utah.

As part of the O.C. Tanner Key Signature Initiative, USUO is pleased to announce that the role of President & CEO, will be named The O.C. Tanner Chair. This initiative will also support the visionary projects of President & CEO Steve Brosvik, Music Director Markus Poschner, and Utah Opera Artistic Director Christopher McBeth, whose position is generously sponsored by the Emma Eccles Jones Foundation. Together, these leaders will collaborate to design and implement artistic programs that elevate USUO's stature both locally and nationally.

This remarkable $15 million commitment exemplifies O.C. Tanner's leadership in inspiring other philanthropic contributions. It calls upon Utah's philanthropic community to join in strengthening USUO's financial foundation and ensuring the sustainability of its artistic mission. With the combined support of O.C. Tanner and the broader community, USUO is poised to build on its legacy of artistic excellence and continue enriching lives through music.