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,
Principal Conductor
Michelle graduated from Boise State University in Choral Music Education and 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
1st Violin
Rachel Severinsen
Joan Blackburn
Kent Broadbent
Michelle Brown
Julene Maddocks
Tammy Nelson
Jayna Stark
Debby Wetzel
Becky Held
Lori Rupe
Abby Welling
Alicia Money
2nd Violin
Julianne Anderson
Tomoko Kent
Kristie Giles
Cherie Hale
Trayce Webb
Jordan Hulet
Emily Hills
Bonnie Miller
Marianne Norris
Renee Parker
Jennifer Waters
Viola
Amanda Brown
Amy Pond
Angelee Luther
Bonnie Leman
Jamie Buckner
Leena Mercer
Michelle Willis
Cello
Sierra Anderson
Amanda Bachman
Judy Cox
Leanne McKenney
Evelyn Partner
Ellen Paul
Bass
Karen W. Heath
Luca Ramos
Jim Thompson
Rebecca VanSleeuwen
Flute
Leon Francis
Becky Erickson
Claudia Horton
Oboe
Leon Francis
Sylvia Hadlock
Clarinet
Jairo Velasquez
Melanie Pehrson
Bassoon
Rick Meier
Gene Sartain
French Horn
Mike Packham
Kiz Hancock
Jennifer Dearinger
Melody Mercer
Barbara Larsen
Trumpet
Seth Miner
James Baggaley
Nathan Lagerstrom
Trombone
Aaron A. Anderson
Paul H. Anderson
Bob Partner
Tuba
Chad Davis
Percussion
Joe Alexander
Ewan Janke
Justin Everette
David Thalmann
Leslie Moon