presiDenT’s message Deborah Stapley-Graham Our concert tonight focuses upon Diversity in America. We begin with the music of Jessie Montgomery, a composer born in 1981, who brings us the folk-like, visceral string composition, Strum. Next is Samuel Barber’s Violin Concerto, op. 14. Barber, an American, wrote much of the concerto in Switzerland on the eve of the second World War, then finished the piece in the Pocono Mountains of the US. We can envision influences of the landscapes of each of these areas throughout this concerto. Finally, we finish with William Grant Still’s incredible. “AfroAmerican Symphony”, which transports the listener to Harlem, New Orleans, and old Hollywood. In addition, we are honored with the performance of our guest artist, rising star Yesong Sophie Lee. Our evening honors both tradition and youth, music of the European classical style, and music specific to simpler places and times. Together these diverse aspects create a rich orchestral experience that our audience will certainly enjoy. Here at the beginning of March, we are looking toward Spring. The changing of the season brings change to our Missoula Symphony Association as well. Change is often difficult, as is our saying good-bye to our Executive Director Jo May Salonen. Thanks to her leadership, the Missoula Symphony Association has weathered through some of the toughest times in the organization’s 67year history. We are coming out of this pandemic stronger than ever, and more passionate about bringing live symphonic music to our community. We are grateful for your continued support as our patrons, and please join me in saying a heartfelt thank you and farewell to our wonderful Executive Director Jo May Salonen. Please enjoy the concert and we look forward to seeing you in our future concerts this season!
Deborah Stapley-Graham President
KUFM BROADCAST
This concert will be broadcast over Montana Public Radio on a date to be announced. KUFM Missoula, 89.1 KUFM North Missoula, 91.5 KUFN Hamilton, 91.9 KUKL Kalispell, 90.1 KAPC Butte, 91.3
KUHM Helena 91.7, KUFL Libby, 90.5 KPJH Polson, 89.5 KGPR Great Falls, 89.9
Large-print copies of Program Notes are available upon request in advance of the event by calling (406) 721-3194 or at www.missoulasymphony.org our aMerican voices
