Utah Symphony | Utah Opera, in partnership with the Church History Museum of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, is seeking musical instruments and family stories dating back to the pioneer era for an upcoming exhibition scheduled for 2027. The initiative aims to collect fiddles, violins, and other family heirlooms that have been part of Utah families since the early days of the Utah Territory.
Exhibition goals and timeline
The upcoming exhibition is planned to take place at Abravanel Hall and throughout downtown Salt Lake City. The timing of the showcase is intended to coincide with the 2027 reopening of Temple Square. According to the Utah Symphony | Utah Opera, the project seeks to bring family histories into a public conversation regarding the broader history of Utah.
Criteria for instrument submissions
Organizers are specifically looking for instruments that have lived within families since the early days of the territory. While the search focuses on items like fiddles and violins, the call extends to other types of family instruments that carry historical significance. The organization noted that submitted instruments do not need to be in playable condition, and the accompanying family stories do not need to be complete for a submission to be considered.
Restoration and oral history plans
The project includes a plan for both physical restoration and oral history preservation. If an instrument is selected for the exhibition, it will be evaluated by experts. Where possible, and with the permission of current owners, selected instruments will be restored to playing condition by Peter Prier & Sons Violins.
Preserving family narratives
In addition to the physical objects, the initiative focuses on the narratives attached to them. Selected stories from participating families will be preserved through a collaborative recording session with StoryCorps. This effort is designed to honor the families behind the instruments and document their connection to Utah's musical heritage.
Historical significance of pioneer music
The search for these artifacts highlights the historical importance of music during the migration to the Salt Lake Valley. As noted by Utah Symphony | Utah Opera, musical instruments were a significant part of the pioneer journey as settlers crossed the plains. These instruments were often sturdy and portable, serving as central elements at community gatherings.
Connecting modern residents to history
This historical connection is deeply rooted in the institution's own history, as the musicians who carried these instruments laid the foundation for the earliest iteration of the Utah Symphony | Utah Opera in 1892. By showcasing these items, the exhibition seeks to connect modern residents with the musical foundations established by those who settled the region.
Interested families can participate by submitting their information and instrument descriptions through an online form. The submission process requires providing a name, email, and phone number, along with the name of the ancestor who originally owned the instrument and a description of its heritage.
For those with questions regarding the collection process or the exhibition, the Utah Symphony | Utah Opera maintains an email contact at education@usuo.org.
