Utah Symphony Appoints New Assistant Conductor

Young American conductor Matthew Straw will step into the role in September 2023

American conductor Matthew Straw will succeed Utah Symphony's current assistant conductor Benjamin Manis in September 2023.

Following a nationwide search, Straw was appointed by Thierry Fischer, Utah Symphony's Music Director — who will be transitioning into a Music Director Emeritus role at the conclusion of the 2022/23 season.

In the assistant conductor role, Straw will work closely alongside Fischer, as well as the orchestra's Creative Partner, David Robertson. He will act as the cover conductor for the orchestra's mainstage concerts, and will also get the opportunity to lead the symphony in their education and family concerts. In total, he will appear in more than 70 performances.

A graduate of Oberlin College, Matthew Straw is currently furthering his conducting studies at the Eastman School of Music. He is a two-time winner of the Solti Foundation's Career Assistance Award, and was the 2019 recipient of of the Helen F. Whitaker Conducting Fellowship at the Aspen Conducting Academy.

Straw has appeared with the Des Moines Metro Opera, New World Symphony, ORF Vienna Radio Symphony Orchestra, Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra, and the Salzburg Festival, and has participated in masterclasses with Stéphane Denève, Cristian Măcelaru, Yannick Nézet-Séguin, Neeme and Paavo Järvi, Michael Tilson Thomas, and Robert Spano.

"From the first downbeat of my audition I was impressed by the quality of music-making and the spirit this orchestra brings to every note they play," Straw said. "I'm thrilled to join the team and bring meaningful music to communities across the state of Utah!"