By May Hunter, For Iron County Today
The Utah Symphony delighted audiences with a free “Under the Stars” concert in Main Street Park on July 8, celebrating the music and composers that have shaped America’s artistic heritage.
The performance served as the grand finale of Cedar City’s 13-day America 250 Celebration, commemorating 250 years of American independence through patriotic favorites, Broadway selections, American folk music, and beloved classical works. The evening also featured Utah natives, violinist Aubree Oliverson and soprano Amy Owens, under the direction of conductor Conner Gray Covington.
Utah Symphony | Utah Opera is composed of 87 full-time musicians who present more than 175 symphonic and chamber performances annually, in addition to four opera productions. Cedar City was honored to welcome this world-class ensemble as the culminating event of the America 250 celebration.
Mayor Steve Nelson welcomed the audience, emphasizing the important role the arts have long played in Cedar City’s identity.
“The arts have always been an integral part of Cedar City’s history,” Nelson said. “It is especially fitting that the world-renowned Utah Symphony and Utah Opera are helping celebrate both our nation and the great State of Utah with a stop here in Cedar City.”
The concert was the result of months of planning by America 250 Committee Co-Chairs R. Scott Phillips and Maria Twitchell, who worked closely with Utah Symphony staff to bring the performance to Southern Utah. Their efforts were supported by generous sponsors, dedicated city staff, and dozens of volunteers whose collaboration made the evening possible.
Just before the orchestra took the stage, Mayor Nelson paused the program to recognize the vision and leadership of America 250 Committee Co-Chair and Cedar City Council Member R. Scott Phillips. Nelson presented Phillips with a framed letter from Utah Governor Spencer Cox, along with a commemorative plaque honoring his leadership in organizing Iron County’s America 250 celebration.
Accepting the recognition, Phillips emphasized that the success of the celebration belonged to the many volunteers and community partners who devoted countless hours throughout the year.
“This recognition belongs to an entire village of dedicated and caring people,” Phillips said. “Events of this size and significance are never the work of one individual. I have been blessed to serve alongside an extraordinary committee whose sole purpose has been to strengthen the community we call home and honor the values of our Founding Fathers and the sacrifices they made so we could enjoy the freedoms we cherish today.”
Phillips added that he was deeply humbled by the recognition and grateful for the trust placed in him throughout the year-long planning effort.
“May we never forget who we are, what we represent, or the sacrifices made by those who came before us,” he said. “We are truly blessed to live in America. Irving Berlin expressed it beautifully in the words of God Bless America: ‘God shed His grace on thee.’ Those words continue to remind us of both the blessings and responsibilities of liberty.”
Following the performance, Utah Symphony | Utah Opera reflected on the evening with gratitude.
“Thank you for doing this for our community. It was so special.” Those were among the first words we heard after the final notes faded across Cedar City’s Main Street Park, and they perfectly capture why the Music Elevated State Tour exists. We were honored to help conclude Cedar City’s America 250 festivities with an evening that demonstrated music’s unique ability to bring people together.”
Experiencing the Utah Symphony beneath the open sky was truly unforgettable. As the sun set behind the mountains and the evening air cooled, the combination of Cedar City’s breathtaking scenery, crisp mountain air, and extraordinary live music created an atmosphere of wonder, connection, and patriotism. With perfect weather and a spectacular performance, it was a magical evening that will be remembered by all who attended.
