Looking back on the path that led us here

During the 22/23 Season, we asked our former music directors to reminisce about their experiences leading NOVA.

Throughout their stories, we have included historic photographs and recordings of great performances from their tenure.

1977-1986: Russell Harlow

Since its inception in 1977, NOVA Chamber Music Series has provided a venue for Utah artists and audiences to explore the vast chamber music repertoire. Founded by former Utah Symphony clarinetist Russell Harlow, NOVA’s first decade featured many esteemed local musicians. NOVA’s first commission was Ramiro Cortés’ Trio for Clarinet, Cello, and Piano in 1981.

1986-2004: Barbara Scowcroft

In 1986, Utah Symphony violinist Barbara Scowcroft was appointed Artistic Director. During the 2002 Winter Olympics Cultural Olympiad, Ms. Scowcroft invited members of the Utah Youth Symphony and the International Youth Orchestra to perform alongside members of the Utah Symphony. Commissions during her tenure featured works by William Hill and John Costa. In 1999, NOVA received the Governor’s Award in the Arts for its contribution to the cultural life of Utah.

2004-2009: Corbin Johnston

Corbin Johnston, Utah Symphony Associate Principal Bassist, was named Artistic Director in 2004. In 2007, NOVA took a leading role in organizing Music for the End of Time: Olivier Messiaen in Utah, a collaboration with numerous arts organizations commemorating Messiaen’s 1972 visit to Utah. NOVA’s 30th anniversary in 2007 marked the establishment of a string quartet residency featuring the Fry Street Quartet and the expansion of the season from five to six concerts.

2009-2018: Jason Hardink

In 2009, Utah Symphony Pianist Jason Hardink was appointed Artistic Director. Under his leadership, the series expanded NOVA’s national profile through commissions from Curtis Curtis-Smith, Jason Eckardt, and Michael Ellison. In 2013, the Gallery Series expanded NOVA’s presence to new neighborhoods in Salt Lake City and Park City. In 2017, NOVA celebrated its 40th anniversary with six newly-commissioned works; the return of the Fry Street String Quartet with the full cycle of Bartók’s string quartets; and American Visionary: The Music of Michael Hersch, a three-day festival including a fully-staged production of his opera, On the Threshold of Winter.

2018-2019: Madeline Adkins

On November 15, 2017, Utah Symphony Concertmaster Madeline Adkins was selected as Guest Music Director. The eight concerts of NOVA’s 41st Season featured classical chamber music from a diverse range of composers — including nine women — representing 10 countries on three continents.

2019-present: The Fry Street Quartet

The Fry Street Quartet curated NOVA’s 2019/20 Chamber Music Series. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the final concerts were canceled, and NOVA announced a series of virtual performances. On October 25, 2020, NOVA hosted the world premiere of Rising Tide, a feature-length multimedia concert film from The Crossroads Project. The Fry Street Quartet has continued to serve as NOVA’s Music Directors with the organization’s return to live concerts in the 2021/22 and 2022/23 Seasons.