History of the Magic Valley Symphony
The Magic Valley Symphony was born as the Twin Falls Civic Symphony, growing from the nucleus of musicians who played for the first Dilettantes of Magic Valley production, “Carousel,” in March 1959. Starting rehearsals in the fall of 1959, the first performance was on February 1, 1960, in the old O’Leary Junior High Auditorium under the direction of Richard Smith, string teacher for Twin Falls Schools. Del Slaughter, another music educator for the school district, became conductor in 1963 and led the Symphony for twelve seasons. Under Slaughter’s leadership as director, and his wife Julienne Slaughter as concertmaster, the Symphony’s two concerts per season featured soloists from southern Idaho, the University of Idaho, and the Salt Lake City area.
 In November 1969, the orchestra gave its first concert in the new College of Southern Idaho Fine Arts Auditorium. Because the orchestra had come to include so many people from outside Twin Falls, the Symphony’s name was changed to the Magic Valley Symphony in 1970. In 1975 Lawrence Curtis, a professor of music at CSI, took over the baton. From 1977 to 1982, Curtis brought nationally- and internationally-known solo artists every November.
After sharing conducting duties with Theodore Hadley during the 1982-1983 season, Carson Wong, professor of music at CSI, became conductor and music director of the Symphony. During Maestro Wong’s tenure the Symphony sponsored a composition contest, awarded youth soloist scholarships, and in 1984 began the tradition of an annual spring Pops concert.
Three guest conductors were featured during the 1989-1990 season: Theodore Hadley, Balthasar Buhidar, and Bruce Whitehead. Mr. Hadley was named conductor and music director in 1990. During his first year on the podium, Maestro Hadley expanded the season from three concerts to four.
Through the years the Magic Valley Symphony has continued to grow and present noted artists and guest conductors. The Symphony has continued our the tradition of encouraging young musicians by presenting their biennial Youth Soloist Concert in even-numbered years, helping sponsor the Magic Valley Youth Orchestra, sponsoring workshops and master classes with guest artists, offering scholarships to CSI Music Fest and other music camps, and supporting the youth outreach efforst of the Magic Valley Symphony League’s Carma’s Kids program. Art displays by local adult and youth visual artists have graced the wonderful new Fine Arts Auditorium foyer before many of the Symphony’s recent concerts.
The Magic Valley Symphony is proud to be part of the Magic Valley’s vibrant arts scene. We look forward to perfroming great music for the people of Southern Idaho for many years to come. During the 2009-2010 concert season, we will celebrate our 50th anniversary. If you have suggestions for guest artists or pieces from our 50-year history that you would enjoy hearing, please contact Maestro Hadley!
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