Salt Lake City held its first Thyagaraja Festival in 1997 on the University of Utah campus. Over the years this festival has evolved into an annual event (held in May) attracting classical music lovers and young talent from all over the US and Canada.

Dedicated to commemorating composers and musicians of the past who have revolutionized Carnatic music, this event has become one big camp where senior professional musicians, aspiring young students and the generally enthusiastic, interact closely and learn from each other. The picturesque Salt Lake City provides an ideal setting for aficionados to enjoy the music in a relaxed manner. People who have moved out of this area look forward to return during this festival when the weather is debating on turning into spring while the mountain is still covered with snow.

The Salt Lake City Thyagaraja Festival has gained quite a reputation as a debut stage for promising young US based performers. It is an extremely rewarding experience to have these youngsters enthusiastically participate in the event year after year egged on by their parents. The senior vidwans gladly encourage and guide them.

This festival is organized and sponsored by a number of local, national and international cultural organizations. Private donations also support this event. Senior performing artistes serve on the advisory board for talent search, in determining content, and help with planning the activities.

Thyagaraja Music Festival was held last year(2009) at Salt Lake City in May.

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Sponsors for the 2009 Thyagaraja Festival were:
India Forum of Utah,
Sri Ganesha Hindu Temple ,
India Cultural Center,
and  Indian Classical Arts Center.