For over 40 years, the Southwest Symphony has been the cultural heartbeat of Southern Utah. What began as a grassroots passion project has grown into a thriving orchestra of over 70 volunteer musicians, performing, educating, and enriching the St. George community season after season.
Dr. Norman H. Fawson, Irene Everett, and Dr. Ronald Garner founded the Southwest Symphony. With Garner as its first conductor and Everett as concertmaster, a 28-piece volunteer ensemble began rehearsing weekly in the basement of the St. George city offices. The first concert was held at the historic St. George Tabernacle in the spring of 1980.
The historic St. George Tabernacle became the symphony's first permanent home. Five concerts a year were performed there, including an annual performance of Handel's Messiah with the combined Dixie College choruses and Community Chorus, a beloved tradition from the very beginning.
The Southwest Symphonic Chorale was established under the direction of Howard Putnam. That same year, the symphony partnered with Washington County Schools to launch a string instrument instruction program, purchasing over 100 instruments for students across the region.
The Cox Performing Arts Center was completed and the symphony moved from the Tabernacle to its new stage. The acoustic shell on the Cox stage was designed by Dr. Fawson himself and built by a local welding company.
Following Dr. Garner's retirement, Gary Caldwell took the podium as permanent conductor. A charter member of the symphony and its longtime principal trumpet, Caldwell led the orchestra through decades of growth. "I get to work with some of the most interesting, bright, and talented people," he said, "and together we get to play some of the greatest music ever composed."
Maestro Lucas Darger brought new energy and vision to the podium. Under his leadership the symphony expanded its programming, welcomed world-renowned guest soloists, broadened its music education outreach, and deepened its role as Southern Utah's premier symphony orchestra.
In a bold genre-bending collaboration, the Southwest Symphony joined forces with acclaimed solo violinist Lisa Dondlinger for the music video"The Ninth Pirate."This cinematic mashup seamlessly weaves Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony with the iconic themes of Pirates of the Caribbean, featuring a powerful arrangement that blends the full orchestra with electric guitar and drums for a modern, rock-infused sound.
Watch “The Ninth Pirate” music video here.
2019 marked the beginning of a historic streak as the Southwest Symphony earned its first Best of State award. This prestigious recognition served as a testament to the orchestra's rising caliber and community impact. Since this initial win, the symphony has successfully defended the title every year for eight consecutive years, including our most recent honors in 2026.
Learn more here.
The Southwest Symphony took center stage at the majestic Tuacahn Amphitheatre for a nationally televised PBS special. Partnering with legendary entertainer Marie Osmond, the symphony delivered a breathtaking performance against the red rock backdrop of Southern Utah, reaching audiences across the country and showcasing the orchestra's world-class caliber.
Read more about the special here.
Watch the special here.
In a landmark partnership with the Southern Utah Heritage Choir and former Representative Lowry Snow, the Southwest Symphony was the driving force behind establishing a dedicated foundation to revitalize our home. Together, these efforts secured the critical funding and community support needed to begin the historic renovation of the Cox Performing Arts Center.
The Southwest Symphony released a breathtaking music video featuring world-renowned violinist David Park. Filmed amidst the iconic red rocks of Snow Canyon State Park, this production of Vivaldi’s "The Storm" blends high-caliber artistry with the natural majesty of Greater Zion, capturing the symphony's spirit in a way that resonated far beyond the concert hall.
Watch “The Storm” music video here.
The symphony’s legacy was immortalized in downtown St. George with the debut of "The Sound of St. George". Created by world-renowned Italian muralist Pepe Gaka, this 60-foot masterpiece weaves silhouettes of Southwest Symphony musicians into a vibrant tapestry of native desert flora. The mural stands as the city's largest public artwork, celebrating the harmony between our music and the natural beauty of the region.
Learn more here.
A decade of vision and artistry culminates in September 2026 with the grand opening of our newly renovated home. To mark this historic milestone, the symphony will present "A New Era: The Inaugural Concert," featuring global sensation Steven Sharp Nelson of The Piano Guys. This performance officially opens the doors to a world-class stage, celebrating ten seasons under Maestro Lucas Darger and the bright future of the arts in Southern Utah.
