$15 million gift from Stephen Tanner Irish family for symphony orchestra and opera

Utah Symphony | Utah Opera proudly announces a $15 million commitment from Stephen Tanner Irish and O.C. Tanner over ten years. This investment underscores the company’s unwavering dedication to Utah’s arts and cultural vibrancy.

This extraordinary gift is part of the newly established O.C. Tanner Key Signature Initiative, which aims to sustain USUO’s artistic and executive leadership positions and ensure world-class programming for future generations.

O.C. Tanner’s commitment has two impactful components: outright support for key leadership positions within the organization, ensuring that USUO continues its legacy of artistic excellence and cultural impact, and a challenge to inspire other philanthropic leaders in Utah to join in building a brighter future for USUO.

The commitment includes ongoing annual funding of $500,000, with an additional $10 million to be made over time.

It is part of a larger fundraising initiative designed to address critical undercapitalization and, with additional support, provide the necessary funding to support USUO’s service to the local Utah community and stature as one of only 17 full-time orchestras in the United States and one of the nation’s top regional opera companies.

“We are thrilled to be able to support USUO at this crucial time in its history,” said Stephen Tanner Irish, representing the O.C. Tanner family and reflecting on the enduring relationship between his grandfather, Obert C. Tanner, and Utah Symphony’s beloved conductor, Maurice Abravanel.

“The Symphony and Opera represent the crown jewel of our community’s cultural vitality. We believe in their mission and encourage others to participate by attending performances and supporting the organization.”

Stephen Tanner Irish is a 6th generation Utahn. He has worked at the O.C. Tanner company, a family-owned business founded by his grandfather Obert C. Tanner.

He now teaches in the philosophy department at the University of Utah and continues his research and writing in the history of science. His essential priority is continuing the company’s philanthropic legacy.

Stephen profoundly appreciates the importance of a strong workplace culture in the success of organizations.

Stephen’s insightful mind has led him to earn a degree in philosophy from Stanford and a Ph.D. in History and Philosophy of Science from Cambridge.