Following fifteen extraordinary seasons as Music Director (2011–2026), Dr. Thomas Heuser was named Conductor Laureate by the Idaho Falls Symphony Board of Directors in recognition of his exceptional artistic leadership and enduring contributions to the Symphony.

During his tenure, Dr. Heuser led the Symphony through a remarkable period of artistic growth, elevating its musical standards and helping establish the Idaho Falls Symphony as a regional professional orchestra recognized for artistic excellence. His passion for exceptional performances, commitment to artistic excellence, and dedication to the musicians shaped the artistic identity of the Symphony and created a lasting legacy that will continue to inspire future generations.

Over fifteen seasons, audiences experienced unforgettable performances under his baton, including Beethoven's Ninth, The Planets, Great Ladies of Jazz, Rose of Sonora, Notes from the Silver Screen, concerts featuring Idaho Falls Symphony Young Artist Competition winners, and countless other memorable performances that celebrated the power of live orchestral music.

The honorary title of Conductor Laureate recognizes Dr. Heuser's lasting artistic legacy and reflects the Symphony's deep gratitude for his years of dedicated service. As Conductor Laureate, he remains a valued ambassador for the Idaho Falls Symphony and may return for special guest conducting engagements, celebrations, and artistic collaborations.

Dr. Heuser continues to serve as Music Director of the San Juan Symphony in Durango, Colorado, and Farmington, New Mexico. He lives in Durango with his wife, violinist Lauren Avery, and their son, Theodore.

For more information please visit www.thomasheuser.com.

Carrie Athay is a nonprofit executive and cultural leader who believes the arts are essential civic infrastructure. Through music, communities discover common ground, strengthen their identity, and create shared experiences that enrich both civic life and the local economy.

Growing up in a family that moved frequently, Carrie experienced firsthand how music, art, and cultural traditions create a sense of belonging across boundaries. Those experiences shaped her conviction that the arts are not peripheral to community life—they are central to it. She believes the story of American music and community is not a collection of separate traditions, but a conversation in which every voice enriches the whole.

Carrie earned degrees in Humanities and Anthropology from Brigham Young University and a Master of Arts in Museum Studies, with an emphasis in American Studies, from The George Washington University. As a curator and trained textile and wood conservator, she developed a deep appreciation for preserving not only objects, but the stories, traditions, and cultural heritage they represent.

As Executive Director of the Idaho Falls Symphony, Carrie provides strategic leadership focused on artistic excellence, organizational sustainability, and community impact. She works to expand access to live orchestral music, cultivate meaningful partnerships, champion arts education, and position the Symphony as a leading cultural institution serving eastern Idaho and the surrounding region.

Beyond the Symphony, Carrie is an active civic leader who serves on six nonprofit and community boards and committees and is a member of the International Women's Forum. She believes that thriving communities are built through collaboration and that strong cultural organizations play a vital role in shaping a region's future.

Carrie and her husband, William, are the parents of three children and enjoy exploring Idaho's remarkable landscapes while supporting the arts throughout their community.