A 16-year-old pianist from Salt Lake City is preparing for one of the biggest moments of his young musical career — a solo performance of George Gershwin’s “Rhapsody in Blue” with the Utah Symphony during the 65th annual Salute to Youth concert.
Wyatt Christensen, a junior at Hillcrest High School and a student at the Gifted Music School, is one of seven young musicians selected for the prestigious event. His journey to the Abravanel Hall stage began with years of disciplined practice, a deep love for classical music, and an unexpected moment of celebration — one that happened while he was fighting his way through the video game Dark Souls.
A Musical Obsession That Became a Breakthrough
Christensen’s fascination with “Rhapsody in Blue” began long before he ever dreamed of performing it. During countless bike rides, he listened to the iconic Gershwin work on repeat, favoring Leonard Bernstein’s energetic recording. After two years of immersing himself in various renditions, he began learning the piece himself.
Under the guidance of teachers Koji Attwood and Vera Oussetskaia-Watanabe, he blended elements from the recordings he admired with his own interpretation. After more than a year of focused practice, the piece became second nature.
“You’ve built a house, and you know all the nooks and crannies of it,” Christensen recalled one of his teachers saying. “I feel like I’ve made this piece my own.”
Preparing for the Spotlight
On Wednesday, Christensen will perform beneath the iconic chandeliers of Abravanel Hall, backed by a full symphony for the first time.
The Salute to Youth program — sponsored by the Deseret News — also features six other finalists:
- Shelby Gan, pianist, 15
- Octavia Gordon, violinist, 17
- Grant Brady, violinist, 17
- Adrian McGill, oboist, 17
- Scott Pickett, cellist, 13
- Gabriel Taylor, guitarist, 10
For each musician, it will be their debut performance with the Utah Symphony.
Christensen admits he’s nervous — but also thrilled. “Being selected has been a validating experience,” he said. “It’s a recognition of all the work I’ve put into my craft.”
Years of Dedication Behind the Big Moment
Christensen’s musical roots run deep. His father plays piano, his mother sings, and several siblings play instruments — so the piano was a natural choice at age 7. By age 12, practicing became “fun,” and he began pushing himself harder. That drive continued even as academics and lacrosse demanded more of his time.
Surprisingly, his skills as a lacrosse goalie have improved his musicianship: quick reactions, fast hands, and focus under pressure now translate directly to his playing.
His busy schedule works only because of his support system, he says. “Whenever I’m studying for something big or learning a piece, I go to friends or family. They help me get through it.”
The Video Game Moment
Christensen learned he’d been chosen as a Salute to Youth finalist during an intense Dark Souls session — a memory he now laughs about.
“I was focused on the game, and my family comes in saying, ‘We have news. Look at this email,’” he said. When he realized what it meant, he leaped up from his chair, forgetting about the game entirely. “I was ecstatic. We all started jumping around. It was amazing.”
Looking Toward the Future
The experience has sparked big questions about what comes next. Christensen is considering everything from a piano performance degree to medical school, or even blending the discipline of his musical training with a different career path.
But for now, his focus is entirely on Gershwin.
Despite hearing and playing the piece more times than he can count, “Rhapsody in Blue” still gives him a jolt of excitement — and he hopes the audience feels that same thrill on Wednesday night.
“I just love this piece so much,” he said.
For more on the Salute to Youth program and upcoming performances, visit the Utah Symphony.
