Welcome to the
Billings Symphony Orchestra & Chorale's
58th Season!*

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: A View of the Seasons
Jay Ungar  & 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 9th
Billings Symphony Chorale
Beethoven: Symphony No.  9
His last complete symphony written, this 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 & Bozeman Symphony Chorales
Bach:            Orchestral Suite No. 3
                    St. Matthew Passion: Kommt, Ihr Tochter
                    St. John’s Passion: Ruh wohl, ihr heiligen Gebeine
                    Brandenburg Concerto No. 4
                    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: Integra Communications

April 18, 2009: Season Finale
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:

*programming subject to change

2008-2009 Season Pricing [PDF]

Special Events & Fundraisers

Nov. 29 & 30, 2008: The Nutcracker

Dec. 6, 2008: 4th Annual Holiday Tour of Homes

Dec. 31, 2008: New Year’s Eve Concert

Jan. 24, 2009: FREE Children’s Concert: Peter and the Wolf

May 2, 2009: 3rd Annual Symphony Derby Day

June 21, 2009: 37th Annual Symphony in the Park