September 13, 2008: Opening Night
Valentina Lisitsa, piano
Rimsky-Korsakov: Russian Easter Overture
Stravinsky: Firebird Suite
Rachmaninoff: Piano Concerto No. 2
Dramatic Russian flair opens our 58th season. Rimsky-Korsakov’s exciting Russian Easter Overture represents the elegant power of Orthodox tradition. Stravinsky’s fiery Firebird Suite recreates an ancient myth. Rachmaninoff’s Piano Concerto No. 2 captures the deep beauty that pervades much of Russian literature and music. The powerful piece will be performed by the equally powerful Ukranian pianist Valentina Lisitsa, known as an “electrifying pianist” who has been receiving rave reviews since her arrival in the United States in 1991.
Sponsored by: The Oakland Companies
October 11, 2008: Harvest Home
Jay Ungar & Molly Mason
The orchestra takes you through a view of the seasons with acoustic music champions Jay Ungar and Molly Mason. Legions of fans know Jay and Molly from appearances on A Prairie Home Companion, work on film soundtracks like Legends of the Fall and Ken Burns’ documentary The Civil War. If you love American acoustic music, this concert is a must!
Sponsored by: Energy Industry Partners
November 8, 2008: An Evening of Beethoven’s Ninth
Billings Symphony Chorale & Four Soloists
Beethoven: Ninth Symphony
His last complete symphony written, Ninth Symphony is one of the best known works of the Western repertoire and considered one of Beethoven's greatest masterpieces. A reflection of his democratic ideals that were so radical for his time, this piece is freedom music.
Sponsored by: U.S. Bank
February 21, 2009: Music Inspired by Art
Joe Lulloff, saxophone
Bizet: Carmen Suite No. 1
Sprenkle: Reflections on Titian’s Assumption
Williams: Escapades from Catch Me If You Can
Mussorgsky: Pictures at an Exhibition
A musical adventure that visits France via a Spain-inspired opera, Italy via the brush of an Italian master, across the continents via a saxophone driven film score and a St. Petersburg’s art exhibit against a backdrop of local student’s art.
Sponsored by: Underriner Motors
March 14, 2009: Happy Birthday, Bach!
Billings Symphony Chorale & Bozeman Symphonic Chorus
Bach: Magnificat from Magnificat
Suite No. 1
Jesu, Joy of Man's Desiring
Brandenburg Concerto No. 4
St. Matthew Passion: Erbarme dich
Mass in B Minor: Selections
Inspired by his deep religious beliefs, Bach’s compositions are revered for their intellectual depth and technical and artistic beauty. On March 21 the world celebrates 323 years of Johann Sebastian Bach.
Sponsored by:
April 18, 2009: Celebrate the Masters
Chee-Yun, violin
Mozart: Overture to the Marriage of Figaro
Beethoven: Violin Concerto
Brahms: Symphony No. 4
Three classical masters are celebrated in an evening of crowning achievements. Mozart’s Overture to the Marriage of Figaro represents, perhaps, one of the best operas ever written. Beethoven’s Violin Concerto, one of the most important works of the violin concerto, will be performed by the charismatic Chee-Yun, whose flawless technique, dazzling tone and compelling artistry have enraptured audiences on five continents. The evening and season conclude with Brahms’ Symphony No. 4, a lushly romantic, lyric piece considered by many to be his most renowned achievement.
Sponsored by: St. Mary Land & Exploration Company
*programming subject to change |
