More than 30 years ago, two neighbors—Obert C. Tanner, benevolent founder of the O.C. Tanner Company, and his friend Gordon B. Hinckley, beloved past president of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints—conceived an idea to foster unity in the burgeoning community of the Wasatch Front and focus new attention on the arts.

These two visionaries, both steeped in a love of music, drew into their planning the president of the Utah Symphony Wendell Ashton and the president of the Mormon Tabernacle Choir Oakley Evans.  They imagined presenting a series of free concerts funded by an endowed trust from O.C. Tanner and his wife Grace highlighting two world-renown musical organizations, the Utah Symphony and the Mormon Tabernacle Choir with famed soloists, conductors and other choirs as guest artists.

The O.C. Tanner Gift of Music was born.  Carolyn Tanner Irish, daughter of the Tanners recalls of her father, “He loved making things possible.”  The Tanner Gift of Music fit his style.

This year, 2013, this highly successful musical series turns thirty years old.  Two back-to-back concerts, September 6-7, celebrate the anniversary with a guest artist of great renown, singer and songwriter James Taylor. Mack Wilberg said of the repertoire for the 2013 concert, “We’ve asked Mr. Taylor to choose from among the many pieces he has performed with symphonies and choruses and also to be sure to include his fans’ favorites.”

 Tickets have been distributed but those wishing to attend are encouraged to stand-by for seating.