16-year-old pianist to guest solo with Utah Symphony

The Utah Symphony has announced a change in guest soloists. Sixteen-year-old pianist Conrad Tao will replace Horacio Gutierrez for the concerts on Oct. 8-9, which begin at 8 p.m. Gutierrez had to cancel his engagement due to significant back and shoulder pain.

Born in Urbana, Ill., Tao has been garnering critical acclaim wherever he has performed. He played at the World Piano Pedagogy Conference when he was 7, and a year later made his concerto debut with the Utah Chamber Music Festival Orchestra. He was also featured on "From the Top." Among the orchestras Tao has appeared with are the San Francisco Symphony and the Russian National Orchestra.

At this weekend's concerts, the Utah Symphony will be conducted by Mario Venzago. The program remains unchanged: Jean Sibelius, "Lemminkainen and the Maidens of the Island," from "Legends," op. 22, and "Finlandia;" Sergei Rachmaninoff, "Rhapsody on a Theme of Paganini;" and Robert Schumann, Symphony No. 4 in D minor.

Ticket prices begin at $15 and are available by calling ArtTix at 801-355-2787 or 888-451-2787 or online at usuo.org. Prices will increase by $5 if purchased on the day of performance.

e-mail: ereichel@desnews.com