About Us
Murray Symphony has been a mainstay in the Salt Lake valley for nearly 50 years. With members coming from a wide variety of professions and ages, from teenagers to those in their 80s, they come together with a love for good music and find enjoyment in performing everything from the works of the masters to the iconic movie soundtracks of John Williams. Murray Symphony is more than just a group or an orchestra, it is a family that works together and plays together.
Meet The Conductors
Michelle Willis
Musical Director,
Conductor
Michelle has been conducting choirs and orchestras for over 20 years. Music is her lifeblood and she is never happier than when she is making music with others who find joy in the experience. She loves composing, teaching, day hikes and reading. She and her husband have four children.
Jim Thompson
Associate Conductor
Jim has been a part of the music scene in Salt Lake for 35+ years. Playing mainly bass, he can also play piano, guitar and viola! Jim loves the aesthetics of the great outdoors including, hiking, backpacking, mountain biking, kayaking, bird watching, and studying the geology of Southern Utah's red rock country.
Ernest J. Nielsen
Assistant Conductor
Ernest J. (Ernie) Nielsen has been the Musical Director of community orchestras and choirs across Utah and California. He earned a Master’s Degree in Choral Conducting from Brigham Young University and recently retired from a career in finance and international project management consulting.
Meet The Orchestra
Violins, 1st
Emily Allen
Julianne Andersen
Joan Blackburn
Kent Broadbent
Michelle Brown
Melanie Dean
Taz Hinkle
Rosalie Kiholm
Julene Maddocks
Leslie W. McClure
Tammy Nelson
Madisen Smith
Jayna Stark
Debby Wetzel
Violins, 2nd
Heidi Ahlers
Lau Ann Anderson
Lucille Baker
Melissa Black
Julie Conner
Shelley Davis
Evelyn Frederick
Kristie Giles
Cherie Hale
Esperanze Hauptman
Becky Held
Emily Hills
Bonnie Miller
Marianne Norris
Renee Parker
Jennifer Waters
Viola
Amanda Brown
Sarah Gale
JoAnne Hinkle
Caron Marriott
Amy Pond
Carolyn Shackleford
Michelle Willis
Cello
Sierra Anderson
Amanda Bachman
Ben Cook
Judy Cox
Leanne McKenney
Evelyn Partner
Bass
Karen W. Heath
Mikayla Nelson
Luca Ramos
Jim Thompson
Cassie Wagstaff
Flute
Clarissa Andersen
Alison Ediger
Michele Hart
Claudia Horton
Oboe
Carolee Bowen
Sylvia Hadlock
Clarinet
Leon Francis
Melanie Pehrson
Sara Wilson
Bassoon
Ken Andersen
Gene Sartain
French Horn
Charlotte Artigues
Rita Bennett
Beverly Dalling
Kiz Hancock
Donna Lyon
Melody Mercer
Mike Packham
Trumpet
Michael Hauptman
Sandra Price
Shane Turner
Trombone
Aaron Anderson
Paul Anderson
Matt Pond
Bob Partner
Tuba
Dave Beck
Robert Mott
Percussion
Joe Alexander
Molly Janke
Jacob McBride
David Thalmann