Early History 1975

In February 1975, James E. Hill, who also served as president and conductor, organized the Holladay Pops Symphony Orchestra and Chorale.  The original orchestra group consisted of about 30 members, from many walks of life and ranging in age from high school students to senior citizens.  The chorale had 15 members and was conducted by James C. Peterson.  Rehearsals were held at Churchill Jr. High on Wednesday evenings until June, at which time the orchestra moved to Murray High School.  The administrators in the Murray School District were very eager to support such cultural activities; hence the school facilities and percussion instruments were made available to the orchestra.

The orchestra held its first concert on Friday and Saturday, June 13th and 14th featuring: "American Fantasie," "Weinstein's Bolero," "Symphony in E MInor (IV Movement)" by Dvorak, "Battle Hymn of the Republic" arr. for Chorus and Orchestra by Wilhousky.  The choir was bolstered by the addition of "The Netherlands Radio Choir."  Mrs. John Boekhout was the conductor.  Their segment of the concert included: "Waltzing Matilda," "How Great Thou Art," "Glow Worm," "David's Lamentations," "Madame Jeanette," and "Oklahoma."  Although the audience was somewhat less than hoped for, their response was very enthusiastic.

A few weeks after this concert, the choir group was forced to disband because of insufficient support.

The second public performance of the orchestra was an open rehearsal presented on October 18, 1975.  The program included: "American Fantasy," "Capricio Espagnol," Schubert's "Unfinished Symphony," "Hoe Down" from Copland's Rodeo, Haydn's "London Symphony" and "Deep Purple."

The orchestra was privileged to entertain the occupants of the Bonneville Rest Home on December 17th as part of the Christmas Season.

In January of 1976, the founder of the original group resigned as conductor for personal reasons.  Several other members withdrew at that time.  The new conductor of the group was Richard W. Jackson, with Steve Baker as assistant conductor.

On March 17, 1976, the orchestra voted to change its name to Murray Symphony Orchestra in recognition of the support an dencouragement extended to it by Murray City officials and residents.  At present, the group consists of about 25 musicians of varying degrees of musical accomplishment, who have a common love for good music and find enjoyment in performing the works of the masters.

The goals of the orchestra are to provide a group with which area amateur musicians may associate, which rehearses serious music and provides opportunity for public performance, which it is hoped will also enhance the cultural activities of the community.

Officers of the murray Symphony Orchestra:

     Conductor--Richard W. Jackson
     Assistant Conductor--Steve Baker
     President--Nicolaas de Jonge
     Secretary--Beverly Dalling
     Treasurer--Zella Gladhill
     Publicity--Lee Weeks
     Facilities Manager--Steve Baker

                     

First installment of orchestra history provided by Beverly Dalling.