Mozart with Conrad Tao

Conrad Tao returns to Abravanel Hall on Friday, November 6, and Saturday, November 7, for two performances with the Utah Symphony. Both start at 7:30 PM. This time he's taking on two roles at once: he'll be the soloist on piano and the conductor leading the orchestra.

The program opens with Nuages by Linda Catlin Smith, a contemporary piece that sets the stage for the Mozart to follow. From there, the evening centers on two of Mozart's most recognized works. Tao performs Piano Concerto No. 20 as soloist, and then the orchestra plays Symphony No. 40, one of Mozart's final and most admired symphonies, known for its playful lyricism and melodies that most people recognize even if they've never seen a score. Hearing them back-to-back gives you a good look at the two sides of Mozart: the intimate, soloist-driven concerto and the full, orchestral scale of the symphony.

For those who follow the local scene, Tao is a familiar face. He made his debut with the Utah Symphony at age 16 and later held a residency with the orchestra, so this isn't just another guest appearance—it's a homecoming. Beyond that, he's a pianist, composer, and conductor, and he's the only classical artist to be named to Forbes magazine's '30 Under 30' in the music industry. Seeing him step up to the podium as well as the keyboard is the real draw here.

If you want a bit more context before the music starts, there's a pre-concert chat with the guest artists and symphony musicians 45 minutes before the performance in the First Tier Room. Discounts are available for subscribers, groups of 10 or more, students, and under-30s. The general age guideline is ages five and older. Both nights are at Abravanel Hall, 123 W. South Temple, starting at 7:30 PM.