Salt Lake City, Utah may not be the first city that comes to mind
when thinking of the performing arts. Many visitors fly into the
area to ski or engage in other winter sports. Most would choose
larger cities like New York for their cultural enrichment. However,
you'll be pleasantly surprised to learn that Salt Lake City has a
thriving arts community with quality performing arts companies that
light up stages throughout the city.
Ever since pioneers settled in Salt
Lake Valley, a high priority has been placed on the performing arts.
City founder Brigham Young told his followers to "go to the
dance, study music, read novels…and add fire to your spirit."
He'd be pleased to know that's just what is being done, even to this
day. One of his first mandates after entering this valley was to
build a theater. This was back in the mid-1800s and things have
certainly mushroomed since then.
The Utah Symphony is the 12th largest
orchestra in the United States, the Mormon Tabernacle Choir is
world-renowned and the Utah Opera is thriving. Ballet West is
considered one of America's premier dance companies, the Woodbury
Dance Company is the most active modern dance company outside of New
York and Repertory Dance Company was the first professional modern
dance company established outside of New York City. The Salt Lake
Acting Company is the sixth largest performing arts organization in
the state, Utah's Babcock Theatre has produced experimental theater
for many years and Pioneer Theatre Company presents professional
theater of the highest standards.
The Utah Arts Council is the first
and oldest organized council in the country. It appears supporting
the arts is still important to locals, even a century-and-a-half
later. Stop to discover some of the wonderful surprises in store for
you on stages across the city. You'll be glad you did.
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