The University of Utah presents The Utah Symphony. Signed 1948-1949 Season Prospectus & Concert Schedule.
Salt Lake City, Utah: The University of Utah & The Utah Symphony (printed by The Wheelwright Lithographing Company), 1948. Ephemera. Boldly signed in ink across the front cover by musical director Maurice Abravanel. Single sheet of fine, textured paper folded horizontally as issued, measuring 8.5" x 11" folded (16.5" x 11" unfolded). Printed via offset lithography in teal and yellow-gold with halftone photographs. Minimal signs of handling; a bright and sharp copy. Near Fine. Item #71519
A foundational piece of Utah classical music history signed by Maestro Maurice Abravanel (1903–1993) during his landmark second season as music director. This 1948–1949 prospectus documents the crucial early partnership between the symphony and the University of Utah under President A. Ray Olpin, an arrangement that saved the young orchestra from financial insolvency. Initially hired in 1947 on a provisional one-year contract, Abravanel’s leadership blossomed into a legendary 32-year tenure. During this time, he elevated the regional ensemble into an internationally recognized orchestra and fought for the construction of its permanent home, Symphony Hall (renamed Abravanel Hall in 1993).
The printed schedule outlines ten concerts held at the Salt Lake Tabernacle featuring major mid-century musical milestones. These include the world premiere of the revised version of Benjamin Britten’s Piano Concerto (Jacques Abram, soloist), the world premiere of Utah composer Leroy Robertson’s Prelude, Scherzo and Ricercare, and legendary American composer Roy Harris guest-conducting his own iconic Symphony No. 3. The program records early-career appearances by violin virtuosos Joseph Szigeti and Isaac Stern, capturing a golden era of regional cultural development. The formidable lineup is rounded out by scheduled appearances from premier international soloists, including cellist Gregor Piatigorsky, pianist Witold Ma cu y ski, and the celebrated French violinist Ginette Neveu, performing famous masterpieces such as Beethoven's Fifth and "Pastoral" Symphonies, Debussy's La Mer, and Mozart's "Jupiter" Symphony.
Price: $150.00