Frances Darger papers

Collection

Identifier: ACCN 2945

Staff Only

Scope and Contents

The Frances Darger papers (1942-2016) contain programs from the concerts Darger played during her 69 year tenure with the Utah Symphony Orchestra. Materials also contain news articles and publicity materials about the Orchestra, and programs from selected Utah Opera, Mormon Tabernacle Choir, and Oratorio Society of Utah shows.

Dates

1941-2016

Creator

Darger, Frances Johnson, 1924- (Person)

Language of Materials

Collection materials are in English.

Conditions Governing Access

Twenty-four hour advanced notice encouraged. Materials must be used on-site. Access to parts of this collection may be restricted under provisions of state or federal law.

Conditions Governing Use

The library does not claim to control copyright for all materials in the collection. An individual depicted in a reproduction has privacy rights as outlined in Title 45 CFR, part 46 (Protection of Human Subjects). For further information, please review the J. Willard Marriott Library’s Use Agreement and Reproduction Request forms.

Biographical Note

Frances Johnson Darger was born November 30, 1924 to parents Edna Estelle Evans and Frank Arthur Johnson. When she was 9 years old, her mother, who was a singer, traded singing lessons for violin lessons with Melba Lindsay Burton. In 1942, as the men of the Utah Symphony Orchestra joined the armed forces, Frances auditioned for and won a seat in the orchestra. Two years later, she and her sisters moved to Hollywood to found a singing group, but they moved back to Utah after a year and she returned to playing in the orchestra. She graduated from the University of Utah with a degree in English.

Frances played with the symphony for 69 years, during its transition from a community part-time orchestra to its prestigious status today, with tours and record deals. When she retired in 2012, she held the record for the longest tenure of any symphony musician in the world.

Extent

11.25 Linear Feet (23 Boxes)

Additional Description

Abstract

The Frances Darger papers (1941-2016) contain programs, publicity materials, and articles about the concerts Darger played with the Utah Symphony Orchestra and other Utah musical ensembles.