The end of an era

Even though it's been nearly seven years since the symphony and opera joined forces, Tourangeau believes there is still quite a bit of work that needs to be done to foster a better relationship between the two companies.

"Nobody could have known the fundamental differences between the two organizations, because it is so complex," Tourangeau said. She sees herself in part as a liaison between the two. "My role — my job — is to ensure the best environment possible for the musicians so they can provide the best performance for the community."

Her mission is to get both organizations that make up USUO to better understand one another. "Both sides need to appreciate what the other side is doing. We need to find a common ground internally before going externally."

With a new CEO and with the ongoing search for a new music director, USUO is entering into its second generation, Tourangeau said. "We have a new era coming, and new opportunities that come with that. I think some great things will happen."

But things aren't moving quite as smoothly as Tourangeau would like. There are some serious financial obstacles to overcome.

Last month USUO announced that it needs to cut $1 million from its budget to offset a loss in ZAP tax funds and donor donations. Everyone from the music director, CEO and on down had to tighten their belts and agree on taking a cut in pay and benefits. That also included the musicians, who voted on giving up two weeks' worth of salary and benefits to help stabilize the organization's financial situation. "Everyone saw the need to help, and they did," Tourangeau said.

But this won't solve the company's problems just yet. Next year's financial forecast is still pretty bleak. "This year we're getting $500,000 less in ZAP money, and for next year they've already told us to expect a cut of $1 million in ZAP funds," Tourangeau said.

In all likelihood, that means further voluntary cutbacks in pay and another round of collective bargaining with the musicians union, although Tourangeau isn't willing to say yet what form the next round of budget cuts will take.

And the situation isn't likely to improve anytime soon. "I think we have at least another two years where we will have to sacrifice," before things start turning around, she said.

With USUO's current money woes, there has been some criticism of Lockhart and the Utah Symphony's decision to going ahead with the scheduled performances of Leonard Bernstein's large scale "Mass" this weekend.