The Utah Symphony didn't have to look far to find its soloist this weekend — a world-class organist works just across the street from Abravanel Hall.

Richard Elliott, principal organist at the Mormon Tabernacle, was featured in Camille Saint-Saëns' beloved Symphony No. 3 (the "Organ Symphony") and the lesser-known Organ Concerto by Francis Poulenc. It's a pity Elliott couldn't bring the Tabernacle Organ with him; an electronic instrument doesn't capture the same majesty. But Elliott played with panache on Friday, and the gifted young guest conductor Andrew Grams led the Utah Symphony in a dynamic performance.

Abravanel Hall experienced the first program shortage in recent memory Friday, but even without a printed program, it wasn't too hard to figure out that the concert opener was Stravinsky — albeit a very early, French-accented Stravinsky — and that the work being performed, "Scherzo fantastique," was inspired by a poem about bees. Grams let the composer's colorful orchestration shine and brought an appealing lightness to the Utah Symphony's interpretation.

Color also figures prominently in the Poulenc concerto, which finds the composer in serious mode, though his trademark wit and piquancy also shine through. Grams' reading brought out the dramatic tension between soloist and accompaniment.

But the Saint-Saëns symphony was the evening's main attraction, and Elliott's grand C-major chord midway through the second movement was worth the price of admission. Pianist Jason Hardink also shone, and Grams was generous in acknowledging the contributions of other orchestra members at the work's exuberant conclusion.

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Utah Symphony

Music of Stravinsky, Poulenc and Saint-Saëns.

With • Conductor Andrew Grams and organist Richard Elliott.

When • Reviewed Friday, May 6; repeats Saturday, May 7, at 8 p.m.

Where • Abravanel Hall, 123 W. South Temple, Salt Lake City.

Running time • Two hours, including intermission.

Tickets • $20-$55.