Symphony Extends Heuser's Contract to 2024

Thomas Heuser, San Juan Symphony

Season ticket sales in Farmington have doubled since Heuser's arrival, and performances of the San Juan Symphony are regularly sold out at the Community Concert Hall in Durango. Heuser is credited with creating an atmosphere of increased professionalism and respect in the orchestra, which has translated into breathtaking performances of the highest quality. Thanks to Heuser's new Family Concert initiative, audiences of all ages have been able to enjoy the Symphony, and his pre-concert lecture series has attracted a large and devoted following.

The San Juan Symphony has signed a contract extension with Thomas Heuser to serve as Music Director for the next five seasons through 2024. The Symphony's upcoming concerts in February and April 2019 mark the culmination of Heuser's initial three-year contract, which has been a period of growth for both conductor and orchestra alike.

 

"Thank you to the communities of Durango and Farmington for your incredible support," remarked Heuser in a prepared statement. "I am honored and immensely grateful to be your music director, and I am excited for the future of the San Juan Symphony as we keep building our momentum together."

Heuser has also been music director of the Idaho Falls Symphony since 2011, a position he plans to keep along with the San Juan Symphony and possibly others as well. Currently he is a music director finalist with the Wyoming Symphony Orchestra and Symphony New Hampshire. Having multiple jobs comes with the territory; conductors regularly hold simultaneous music director positions in order to further their careers.

 

"We have the potential for so much growth at the San Juan Symphony," Heuser continued, "particularly in the areas of music education and community outreach. I applaud our musicians, staff, Board and volunteers for all that we have achieved over the past three years of dedicated hard work. Moving forward I hope to increase our engagement, to continue presenting masterworks at a professional level, and to reach new and younger audiences."

 

Season ticket sales in Farmington have doubled since Heuser's arrival, and performances of the San Juan Symphony are regularly sold out at the Community Concert Hall in Durango. Heuser is credited with creating an atmosphere of increased professionalism and respect in the orchestra, which has translated into breathtaking performances of the highest quality. Thanks to Heuser's new Family Concert initiative, audiences of all ages have been able to enjoy the Symphony, and his pre-concert lecture series has attracted a large and devoted following.

 

Details about the upcoming 2019-20 season will be announced soon. Meanwhile please visit www.sanjuansymphony.org to get involved with the San Juan Symphony, purchase tickets, or find out more about Maestro Heuser and his cadre of musicians from around the Four Corners.

More from Local News

  • Woman Injured in Shooting, Suspect Arrested

    As three individuals tried to leave a party, a male subject began shooting, unintentionally striking the vehicle and, subsequently, a passenger inside the vehicle. The passenger was transported to San Juan Regional Medical Center and later transported to UNM in Albuquerque, where she is awake and in stable condition.

  • Arrest Made in Fatal Hit & Run

    Using multiple means of evidence, the driver was identified as Alvin Paul who was driving a 2003 white Chevrolet when he veered off the road, hitting Shirley. Paul did not stop or report the crash and surveillance footage from a nearby business proved Paul as the driver. He later admitted to operating the vehicle carelessly.  At the time of the crash, Paul’s driver’s license was revoked from a prior DWI arrests. He has two prior DWI convictions and is currently on probation for the second DWI.

  • Two Dead after Shooting in Farmington-Update

    Preliminary investigation indicates the individuals involved were known to one another, and this incident does not appear to be a random act of violence.

  • Candidates File for Municipal Elections

    Candidates filed for municipal elections today. Elections will take place on Tuesday, November 4, 2025.

  • Man Arrested after School Threat

    No weapons were located on the suspect and he was arrested and charged with assault upon a school employee, unlawful shooting threats, disorderly conduct, and interference with members of staff or the general public.

  • Study finds local rail line "feasible," Project moves Forward

    In addition, the study finds that reducing truck traffic on major highways is a major benefit to rail, with reduced motor vehicle crashes and reduced wear and tear to roadways. The next phase of this project is already funded by a $4 million Consolidated Rail Infrastructure and Safety Improvement (CRISI) Grant and $1 million match from the New Mexico Match Fund.

On KSJE Now:

Today's Weather

  • Farmington, NM

    Sunny intervals

    High: 86°F | Low: 50°F

  • Durango, CO

    Sunny intervals

    High: 79°F | Low: 39°F

  • Shiprock, NM

    Sunny intervals

    High: 90°F | Low: 50°F

  • Cortez, CO

    Sunny

    High: 84°F | Low: 45°F

  • Santa Fe, NM

    Thundery shower

    High: 77°F | Low: 50°F