2023 – 2024 SEASON
MASTERWORKS 3
IN NATURE’S REALM
Julia Tai, Music DirectorSponsored by
The Missoula Symphony Association Presents
MASTERWORKS 3
IN NATURE’S REALM
Julia Tai, Music DirectorSponsored by
The Missoula Symphony Association Presents
JULIA TAI , Music Director KRISTIN LEE , violin
IN NATURE’S REALM
March 2, 7:30 PM & March 3, 3:00 PM
69th Season, 2023-2024
Antonín Dvořák In Nature’s Realm Overture, Op.91
Scott Billadeau Nothing Gold Can Stay
Vivian Fung Violin Concerto No. 1 Kristin Lee, violin Intermission
Ludwig van Beethoven....................................................................... Symphony No. 6 “Pastorale”
I. Awaking of Cheerful Feelings upon Arriving in the Country (Allegro ma non troppo)
II. Scene by the Brook (Andante molto moto)
III. Merry Gathering of Country folk (Allegro – Presto)
IV. Tempest, Storm (Allegro)
V. Shepherds’ Hymn – Happy and Thankful Feelings after the Storm (Allegretto)
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Kristin Lee, violin
Our Guest Artist is sponsored by an anonymous donor.
Guest Artist Masterclass Sponsor
Mark Williams and Williams Law Firm, PC
Kristin Lee is a violinist of remarkable versatility and impeccable technique who enjoys a vibrant career as a soloist, chamber musician, educator, and artistic director “Her technique is flawless, and she has a sense of melodic shaping that reflects an artistic maturity,” writes the St. Louis Post-Dispatch , and The Strad reports, “She seems entirely comfortable with stylistic diversity, which is one criterion that separates the run-ofthe-mill instrumentalists from true artists ”
As a soloist, Lee has appeared with leading orchestras including The Philadelphia Orchestra, St� Louis Symphony, St� Paul Chamber Orchestra, New Jersey Symphony, Hawai’i Symphony, Hong Kong Philharmonic, Ural Philharmonic of Russia, Korean Broadcasting Symphony, Guiyang Symphony Orchestra of China, and Orquesta Sinfonica Nacional of Dominican Republic She has performed on the world’s finest concert stages, including Carnegie Hall, Avery Fisher Hall, the Kennedy Center, Kimmel Center, the Metropolitan Museum of Art, the Ravinia Festival, the Louvre Museum, the Phillips Collection, and Korea’s Kumho Art Gallery An accomplished chamber musician, Kristin Lee became a member of the Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center after winning The Bowers Program audition and completing the program’s three-year residency In addition to her prolific performance career, Lee is a devoted educator� She is on the faculty of the University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music as an Assistant Professor of Violin Lee is also the founding artistic director of Emerald City Music (ECM), a chamber music series that presents authentically unique concert experiences and bridges the divide between the highest caliber classical music and the many diverse communities of the Puget Sound region of Washington State
Kristin Lee’s honors include an Avery Fisher Career Grant, top prizes in the Walter W� Naumburg Competition and the Astral Artists National Auditions, and awards from the Trondheim Chamber Music Competition, Trio di Trieste Premio International Competition, the SYLFF Fellowship, Dorothy DeLay Scholarship, the Aspen Music Festival’s Violin Competition, the New Jersey Young Artists’ Competition, and the Salon de Virtuosi Scholarship Foundation
Born in Seoul, Lee moved to the United States and studied under prestigious teachers including Sonja Foster, Catherine Cho, Dorothy DeLay, Donald Weilerstein, and Itzhak Perlman Lee holds a Master’s degree from The Juilliard School Lee’s violin was crafted in Naples, Italy in 1759 by Gennaro Gagliano and is generously loaned to her by Paul & Linda Gridley
For more information, visit www violinistkristinlee com
Praised by the Seattle Times as “poised yet passionate,” Julia Tai is one of today’s most dynamic and engaging conductors on the international stage In November 2020, she became the first female music director in the Missoula Symphony Orchestra’s history Her career has led to acclaimed performances and rehearsals with the American Youth Symphony, Bakersfield Symphony Orchestra, Bohuslav Martinu Philharmonic (Czech Republic), Boise Philharmonic, Brandenburger Symphoniker (Germany), Estonian National Youth Symphony (Estonia), Lexington Philharmonic, New Symphony Orchestra (Bulgaria), Orquesta Filarmónica de la UNAM (Mexico), Orquesta Sinfónica Juvenil Charlos Chávez (Mexico), Philharmonia Northwest, and the Seattle Symphony Ms Tai has established a reputation for her creative programming and community partnerships
She has increased the esteem of her orchestras by elevating its artistic output, commissioning new works by renowned composers, and serving diverse communities In 2017, in collaboration with Finlandia Foundation, she celebrated Finland’s centennial by presenting Finland 100 at Benaroya Hall, featuring three generations of Finnish composers The concert was attended by Finland’s ambassador to the U�S� from Washington D�C� In 2018, she presented an all-Taiwanese composers’ concert again at Benaroya Hall, featuring musicians from all over the U�S�, Canada, and Taiwan� Her orchestras have cocommissioned new works by PDQ Bach (Concerto for Simply Grand Piano and Orchestra), Mexican composer Osvaldo Mendoza (Three Mexican Portraits), Chinese-American composer Dorothy Chang (Gateways – Concerto for Erhu and Piano), Vivian Fung (Trumpet Concerto), Sheila Silver (Being in Life – Concerto for French horn and Alpenhorn, 5 Tibetan singing bowls, and string orchestra), and have premiered new works by Orlando Jacinto Garcia, Donald O Johnston, Pascal Le Boeuf, Kate Soper, Andrew Waggoner, and Wang Lu
Born in Taipei, Taiwan, Ms Tai began her violin studies at age four and piano at eight She received her Bachelor and Master of Music degrees from the University of Southern California Thornton School of Music, where she was awarded “Outstanding Graduate” in 2004 She holds a Doctor of Musical Arts degree in orchestral conducting from the University of Washington She and her husband Matthew have a daughter Natalie who also plays the piano
JUNO Award-winning composer Vivian Fung has a unique talent for combining idiosyncratic textures and styles into large-scale works, reflecting her multicultural background NPR calls her “one of today’s most eclectic composers” and The Philadelphia Inquirer praises her “stunningly original compositional voice ” Her newest compositions run the gamut from the orchestral piece Parade , a ROCO commission reflecting on San Francisco’s Lunar New Year festivities; to the daring Ominous Machine II , a powerhouse work for two pianos and two percussion; to her Flute Concerto: Storm Within , a challenging work commissioned and premiered by Vancouver Symphony Principal Flutist Christie Reside�
Current and upcoming presentations of Fung’s work include the National Repertory Orchestra’s performance of Prayer , her critically acclaimed elegy for the pandemic Fung’s composition Aqua , inspired by Chicago’s Aqua Tower, is on the program for the city’s annual Grant Park Music Festival�
Fung’s 2023/24 season officially begins with the world premiere of a work commissioned by the “ Ligeti Etudes meets 18 Composers” project� A portrait album of her works featuring the Jasper String Quartet is due for release on Sono Luminus in October 2023� The world premiere of “ Songs for the Next Generation ” is set for May 2024 at the Kaufman Center in New York City
Fung is currently at work on a new project about identity with soprano Andrea Nunez and Royce Vavrek, percussion works for Network for New Music and Ensemble for These Times , and a commission by Cape Cod Chamber Music Society�
Recent highlights include the digital world premiere of two operatic scenes based on Fung’s oral family history in Cambodia with librettist Royce Vavrek� In other works, Fung has taken inspiration from travels in China, Vietnam, Spain, Indonesia and beyond�
She has received numerous awards and grants from institutions including ASCAP, the Simon Guggenheim Foundation Fellowship and the Canada Council for the Arts� Her compositions have been performed by dozens of major ensembles worldwide Recordings of her work have been released on the Naxos Canadian Classics, Telarc, Çedille, Innova, Signpost and Çedille Records labels
Born in Edmonton, Canada, Fung began her composition studies with composer Violet Archer and received her doctorate from The Juilliard School in New York She currently lives in California Learn more at www vivianfung ca
Scott served on the music composition faculty at the University of Montana from 1997-2002� He received a regional EMMY nomination for his PBS soundtrack to Silence & Solitude , as well as a Gold ADDY for commercial music� In 2017 he completed the score to Yellowstone in Four Seasons , which first premiered on MT PBS His orchestral arrangement of ‘The Last Best Place’ was performed by the Missoula Symphony in 2019, and the first performance of his chamber music work ‘Dia En La Vida’ was performed by the Los Angeles-based Quarteto Nuevo in 2021 Scott is also known as the founder and entrepreneur behind Liquid Planet, Planetary Design, and the CEO of the Pangea Restaurant Group
Margaret Baldridge, concertmaster
Chair sponsored by Janet & Harry Haines
Loy Koch, associate concertmaster
Chair sponsored by Sharon & Gerald Marks
Ali Schultz Levesque , acting assistant concertmaster
Chair sponsored by Betty Thisted
Janet Allison
Maren Elliott+
Suzanne Hartzell
Nancy Lofgren Kohler
Linda Lacey
Kira Lee
Ed Mellander
Catherine Treis+
Kyle Unruh
Rachel Schnackel, principal
Chair sponsored by Laura Patterson
Pam Hillygus, associate principal
Chair sponsored by Rae Lynn & Frank D’Angelo
Ariah Mann, acting assistant principal
Owen Cleary+
Will Hunt
Marian Kale
Gabe Kantor+
Julie Lacey
Patrick Shannon
VIOLA
Sara Schultz Levesque, principal
Chair sponsored by Robert Moseley
Kathy Mellander, associate principal
Chair sponsored by Dorothea & George P Lambros
Martha Thayer, assistant principal
Shelby Blum
Leslie Collins-Rose
Angie Janzen
Brett Kaplan
Neveah Killsnight+
Bethany Rippeon
Lea Tonnerre
Rich Wells
CELLO
Adam Collins, principal Chair sponsored by Sophie & Dan Lambros
Music Director’s Chair sponsored by Rick & Diana Nash
Christine Ranf Sopko, associate principal Chair sponsored by Louisa & Paul Axelrod
Josiah Anderson
Joan Chesebro
David Harmsworth
Kylie Heit+
Bethany Joyce
Jayla Mitchell+
Martha Pressler
Andy Taylor
Joel Schnackel, principal Chair sponsored by Alice & Richard Dailey
Ryan Davis, associate principal Chair sponsored by Amber & Lans Richardson
Fischer Friend+
Michael Johns
Nicholas Timmerhoff
FLUTE
Joanna Berg, principal Chair sponsored by Laura & Mark Haythornthwaite
Julie Vasquez
Alli High
PICCOLO
Julie Vasquez Chair sponsored by Mary Ann Oberhaus
OBOE
Susi Stipich, principal Chair sponsored by Jennifer & Ben Yonce
Olivia Adams
Noah Durnell, acting principal
CLARINET
Christopher Kirkpatrick, principal Chair sponsored by Charla & Don Murray
Julia Klein
Jill Brischli
BASSOON
Alicia Brischli, principal Chair sponsored by Jean & Bill Woessner
Logan Beskoon
HORN
Shannon M Kerrigan, principal Chair sponsored by Betsy & Warren Wilcox
Kristin Zschaechner, assistant principal
Andrew Morris
Daniel Lande
Rory Genazzi
TRUMPET
Brendan McGlynn, principal
Chair sponsored by Ann & Tom Boone
Jens Jacobsen
Nick Barr
TROMBONE
Rob Tapper, principal
Chair sponsored by Maggie & Frank Allen
Josh Hungate
Lexi Vine
TUBA
Benedict Kirby, principal
Chair sponsored by NDG, LLC
TIMPANI
Robert Ledbetter, principal
Chair sponsored by Robin Kendall & Amelia Tallman
PERCUSSION
Jake Ransom, assistant principal
Chair sponsored by Sharon Snavely
Hannah Ransom
Jeffrey Taylor
HARP
Peggy Young, principal
Chair sponsored by Maria & Peter van Loben Sels
PIANO
Chris Hahn, principal
Chair sponsored by Twila Wolfe
LIBRARIAN
Suzanne Hartzell
PERSONNEL MANAGER
Susi Stipich
STAGE MANAGER
Olivia Adams
*Members of the string sections are listed alphabetically Seating is rotated for each concert
+Missoula Symphony Scholarship Recipients
Welcome to the Missoula Symphony as we extend an invitation to spring with our concert, In Nature’s Realm � This weekend’s concert features exquisite guest artist Kristin Lee playing composer Vivian Fung’s Violin Concerto No. 1 , and Missoula’s own composer and pianist Scott Billadeau performing with the Missoula Symphony Orchestra in the premiere of his composition Nothing Gold Can Stay , inspired by the powerful poem by Robert Frost� We are so pleased to have you with us for this event
Our first Masterworks concert of 2024 gives me the opportunity to remind our audience of upcoming events such as the upcoming Broadway Legacy Concert on May 18th and 19th and our newest signature event, Symphony Speakeasy on June 7th� Please mark calendars and join us for these events
I’ll close my message with a nod to Robert Frost in remembering those dedicated supporters we’ve lost in recent months I would like to remember long-time board member and supporter Marci Valeo, Past President Jim Valeo’s dear “other half”� Although in nature nothing gold can stay, Marci’s warm smile, humor, and intelligence will stay golden in my memory
Enjoy the concert,
Stagedecorationsprovidedby:
Deborah Stapley-Graham MSA Board PresidentWelcome to this third Masterworks concert of the season with the Missoula Symphony Orchestra! We’re thrilled to have you here as we embark on a magical journey through the wonders of nature
Our program features an adventurous blend of new and familiar repertoire, including Beethoven’s beloved Sixth Symphony , the “Pastoral Symphony,” which vividly paints a picture of the countryside, inviting you to immerse yourself in the tranquil beauty of rural landscapes
But the excitement doesn’t stop there! We’ll also be exploring the enchanting sounds of Dvořák’s In Nature’s Realm and the contemporary flair of Vivian Fung’s Violin Concerto No. 1 Fung’s concerto offers a modern perspective on our connection to nature, intertwining intricate melodies with vibrant orchestration, promising to captivate your imagination and stir your soul
And as a special treat, we’re proud to present the world premiere of Nothing Gold Can Stay , a beautiful composition by our very own Scott Billadeau Inspired by the poetry of Robert Frost, this piece promises to captivate your senses and leave an indelible mark on your heart
We extend our heartfelt thanks for your continued support, which makes events like these possible So sit back, relax, and let the music transport you to new heights of wonder and delight Thank you for joining us on this musical adventure!
David O’Dell Executive DirectorAntonín Dvořák (1841-1904): In Nature’s Realm, Op.91 (1891)
In Nature’s Realm is the first of a trio of concert overtures composed by Antonín Dvořák just before the Czech composer left Prague to move to the New York City in 1892 He was enticed to the United States to become director of the National Conservatory of Music of America There he would become a fierce advocate and mentor for a new generation of American composers, whom he encouraged to create a distinct national voice Like many Romantic nationalists, Dvořák believed that the best music was rooted in the languages, cultures, and geography shared by a people� Writing to a friend, he said “Let’s hope that nations which have and represent art will never cease to exist, no matter how small they are ” With the fast pace of modernization in late nineteenth-century Europe, he feared that many distinctive musical traditions were disappearing, including the folksongs of his native Bohemia and their connections to older ways of life He wrote that “The music of the people is like a rare and lovely flower growing amidst encroaching weeds Thousands pass it, while others trample it under foot, and thus the chances are that it will perish before it is seen by the one discriminating spirit who will prize it above all else�”
Much of Dvořák’s music tried to preserve the character of this disappearing music, evident in its melodic inflections, its dances, and the way the accents of the Czech language are transcribed in its rhythms In Dvořák’s mind, it was inextricably linked as well to the geography of the region and the natural environment He owned a country house in a small village outside of Prague where he spent his summers composing and taking long walks in the woods This sanctuary was where he composed In Nature’s Realm, the work we hear today
After its premiere, a reviewer raved about its evocation of the landscape: “Dvořák is a great admirer of nature and her splendour; one can only marvel at the way in which the impressions instilled in him by the enchanting serenity of the Příbram forests, are now swathed in the most exquisite musical fabric that a composer could hope to weave�” Indeed, the beginning of the work feels as if we’re tiptoeing through a primordial forest� We hear birdcalls and an emerging “nature” motif that resounds both high and low, evoking the tradition of Moldovian shepherds yodeling songs across long distances
Nature’s first green is gold, Her hardest hue to hold. Her early leaf’s a flower; But only so an hour.
Then leaf subsides to leaf.
So Eden sank to grief, So dawn goes down to day. Nothing gold can stay.
FRIDAY,
Pre s entation begins one hou r befo r e each con cer t Saturdays – 6:30 p . m. S u nda y s – 2 :00 p .m.
Sponsored by Bill and Rosemary Gallagher Foundation
Your support of young people in Missoula means so much. Thank you!
“I used to say music was a form of expression, a way of conveying human feeling and emotion...
Continuing the grand tradition of the Missoula Symphony Guild, the Missoula Symphony Scholarship Fund is dedicated to providing scholarships for outstanding University of Montana music students who play in the Missoula Symphony Orchestra or sing in the Missoula Symphony Chorale.
This year, the Missoula Symphony Association will award more than $30,000 in scholarships to ten talented young musicians. This commitment is possible thanks to the generosity of the individuals listed below. Every penny of their donations goes directly to scholarships. Our 2023-2024 scholarship recipients are noted on the Orchestra Roster with a “+” sign.
The MSA is grateful to the following patrons for their generous gifts. Listed below are contributions of $25 or more within 12 months of February 1, 2024. We apologize for any omissions or errors.
Candice & Janet Boyer
William A. & Kay Cook
Alice & Dick Dailey
Anita Kurtz-Magee
Sophie Lambros
Robin & Nick Nichols
John Sargent
Betty Thisted
Marci & Jim Valeo
Maria & Peter van Loben Sels
Anonymous
Kay Driscoll
Sharon Snavely
Debbie & Brad Dantic
Deborah & Terry Johnson
Lynn Metcalf
Charla & Donald Murray
Sarah & William Towle
Sara Alice Steubs
Jean & William Woessner
Brenda Bolton
To be a part of the Missoula Symphony Scholarship Fund, contact the Symphony Office at (406) 721-3194, or mail a check payable to Missoula Symphony Scholarship Fund to PO Box 8301, Missoula 59807. Donations are 100% tax-deductible.
While that is still well and fully true, real music is so much more. It is soul. It is life.”— Jayla Mitchell
Cook Family Scholarship
New in 2020-2021, this scholarship is named for Will and Kay Cook. “We are happy to partner with the University of Montana and The Missoula Symphony Association to support the growth of music education in Montana and the cultural enrichment of our city.” 2023-2024 Recipients: Jayla Mitchell, Cello; Catherine Treis, Violin; Fischer Friend, Double Bass; Jatayo Jones, Cello.
The Florence Reynolds Scholarship
Named for a woman who shared her musical talent, enthusiasm and endless energy with the MSA for many years. Recipient: Kylie Heit, Cello.
The Symphony Guild Presidents’ Scholarship
Named in honor of those women who have given their time and energy as Presidents of the Missoula Symphony Guild. Recipient: Neveah Killsnight, Viola.
The Joseph Henry Scholarship
Named in honor of our Music Director Emeritus, who retired in 2007 after 21 years as Music Director of the Missoula Symphony Orchestra. Recipient: Owen Cleary, Violin.
The Donald Carey Scholarship
Named in honor of our former Chorale Director who retired in 2006, after 18 years at his post. Recipient: Maren Elliott, Violin.
The Virginia Vinal Scholarship
Named in honor of the longest-serving member of the orchestra, and her dedication to music and community. Recipient: Gabe Kantor, Violin.
The Lorraine Andrie Prize
Not a scholarship but a cash award, this prize is presented at the final concert of each season to a U.M. graduating senior who is deemed a truly outstanding and dedicated orchestra member. Named in honor of the founding leader of the Guild. Recipient: Bayley Ginnaty, Viola.
The Women’s Guild Tuition Scholarship
Funded by Betty Thisted and Sophie Lambros, two presidents of the former Missoula Symphony Guild, this scholarship provides full tuition, for four years, to an incoming University of Montana music major focusing on piano or percussion. Recipient: William (Danger) Gersh, Percussion.
Scott Billadeau - CONTINUED FROM PAGE 16
More laconic than a sonnet, but more verbose than an epigram, Nothing Gold Can Stay is one of Robert Frost’s most beloved and poignant short poems Written in iambic trimeter where the combination of stressed and unstressed syllables provides a steady rhythm and structure in twos, threes, and sixes, the poem represents in so many ways the best that poetry has to offer in a mere eight lines� In the case of Nothing Gold Can Stay , there is a universality that leaves the reader with a deep resonance that cannot be denied� Whether it is the golden sunlight of morning, the golden leaves of spring, or the golden season of youth, the fleeting nature of it all, as well as its inescapable decline, is both celebrated, and mourned After all, sunrises must yield to sunsets, and birth must give way to death
The concept of a ‘symphonic poem’ was more popular when Robert Frost was born in the mid-to-late 1800s, and largely fell out of favor by the 1920s when the poem Nothing Gold Can Stay was authored (1923) And while music strives to communicate that which cannot be expressed in words, this symphonic poem strives to accentuate, augment, and amplify Frost’s written word� And in the case of this orchestral work; to bask in the glory and profundity of the poem it represents the way one might bathe in sunlight�
This ‘world premiere’ commemorates the 100-year anniversary of Robert Frost’s collection of works entitled New Hampshire, which included the poem Nothing Gold Can Stay , and won him a Pulitzer Prize in Poetry in 1924 It was his first of four Pulitzers, which earned Frost the notoriety of being the most awarded and decorated poet of the 20th century
Robert Frost once quipped, that writing poetry without rhyme and rhythm (known as free verse) is ‘like playing tennis with the net down’ I feel the same way as a composer of music There is a place for atonal music without melody, harmony, and rhythm, but I strongly believe that it is in our nature as humans to be attracted to that which has structure, and therefore, construction� The combination of triplets (triple accents) and duplets (double accents) from the poem are carried over into the musical work� There is a constant ebb and flow from twos, threes, and pools of twos and threes into sixes – and occasionally the juxtaposition thereof
As straight forwardly as Frost’s poem presents the dawn of day, so too the musical interpretation And once the golden morning is carried over, the fleeting nature of it all begins with the trumpets fighting to hold on This eventually builds into leaves, flowers, and an explosion of nature, until suddenly, the golden hue wanes into day and its undeferrable loss
The harp plays a unique role in this work by simultaneously representing the genesis of life in the beginning of the work, as well as the transient unfolding of life, with a final twinkle of light… as nothing gold, can stay�
Born in Edmonton, Alberta, Fung first studied composition with Canadian composer, Violet Archer, and later in Paris, with Narcis Bonet� She holds three degrees from Julliard, including her doctorate, where she studied with American composer, David Diamond Her dynamic and eclectic catalog of work has earned many accolades, including a Guggenheim Fellowship, and, for her Violin Concerto No 1, the Juno Award for Classical Composition of the Year A recent recording of her composition The Ice is Talking for percussion and electronics was named as one of the New York Times’ Best Classical Music Albums of 2023
Many of Fung’s works are inspired by a deep interest in non-Western musical traditions In 2012, for instance, she traveled to Yunnan Province, China, to document the disappearing musical traditions of remote mountain tribes of the region Through travel and cultural immersion, she’s written that these “traditional sources act as catalysts for my voice emerging from the shifting kaleidoscope of my own multicultural identity ”
In Violin Concerto No 1, Fung draws upon her experience studying and performing gamelan traditions of the islands of Java and Bali� Gamelan means “sounding together,” and refers to an ensemble whose core instruments include gongs of various size and shape, as well as xylophone-like instruments with bronze keys The bright sounds of these instruments shimmer in their resonance, the result of being tuned ever so slightly apart from one another The texture of gamelan is richly distinctive in its complex interlocking layers of rhythm and melody In Violin Concerto No 1, Fung translates the textures and hypnotic rhythms beautifully for orchestra, and many of the melodies we hear are drawn from the distinct modes and scales of gamelan A slow, stately melody played first on chimes quotes directly from Puspawarna , a Javanese court song meaning “Garlands of Flowers�” Historically and today, the melody is associated with the entry of the prince� Each verse of the poetic text describes a different flower, and the way its color, scent, and form remind the prince of a favorite lover In traditional performances of the piece, the rebab, a two-stringed bowed fiddle, richly elaborates the melody, just as the violin does in Fung’s concerto
Ludwig van Beethoven (1770-1827): Symphony No. 6 in F Major (Pastoral), Opus 68 (1808)
Nature was Beethoven’s muse A creature of habit, he relished long daily walks in the parks of Vienna and surrounding countryside notating ideas in a small sketchbook that always accompanied him And, as his hearing worsened, it was to nature that he turned for solace His doctor suggested that he spend a few restorative months in Heiligenstadt, a small town outside of Vienna known for its bucolic character and therapeutic hot springs� While in Heiligenstadt, he sketched initial ideas for the Sixth Symphony, as well as the beginnings of a work of darker intensity, the Symphony No� 5 in C Minor� A surviving letter from this time—addressed to his brothers but never sent—reveals Beethoven’s deepening depression He voiced intense shame regarding his hearing loss: “…it was impossible for me to say to men speak louder, shout, for I am deaf Ah how could I possibly admit such an infirmity in the one sense which should have been more perfect in me than in others…” He ruminated on his growing loneliness and isolation: “it is so long since real joy echoed in my heart – O when – O when, O Divine One – shall I find it again in the temple of nature and of men – Never? no – O that would be too hard�” The tone of the letter is one of resignation, and, indeed, it seems that Beethoven had lost the will to live� The letter, now known as the Heiligenstadt Testament, included instructions to his brothers on distributing his belongings after his death Somehow, however, Beethoven persisted He would live another 25 years, and the triumphant style of music that emerged following his depression—including the Eroica Symphony, the famous Fifth Symphony and the Pastoral Symphony—is often described as his “heroic” period
The Pastoral Symphony stands as Beethoven’s most definitive portrait of nature, although one he described as “more expression of feeling, than painting ” A year before Beethoven completed the work, he wrote to his friend and student, Therese von Malfatti, expressing the psychological bliss that nature afforded him:
I am happy as a child at the thought wandering among clusters of bushes, in the woods, among trees, herbs, rocks� No man loves the country more than I; for do not forests, trees, rocks re-echo that for which mankind longs
In his short titles for each movement, Beethoven hinted at the scenes in nature he loved most and the emotions they evoked:
I. Allegro ma non troppo, “Awakening of cheerful feelings on arrival in the countryside”
The folk-like quality of the main theme makes us feel as if we’ve been dropped into a rolling, idyllic country scene It’s a beautiful journey as Beethoven coaxes us through an expansive landscape
II. Andante molto mosso, “Scene by the brook”
Opening with the perpetual motion of a small stream, Beethoven creates ripples and waves in undulating rhythms� Listen for the arrival of a feathered trio near the end, including a nightingale (flute), a quail (oboe), and a cuckoo (clarinet)�
III. Allegro, “Merry gathering of country folk”
The third movement drops us straight into an Austrian hoedown, with a catchy folk tune chasing itself forward in dance-like rhythms Rising to a climax at the very end, we hear a fanfare of hunting horns which is abruptly interrupted The next movement begins without pause
IV. Allegro, “Thunder, Storm”
Low tremolos in the strings portend the storm to come We hear hints of tunes from the previous movement, but they’ve taken on a darker character, now in a minor key Dynamics rise and fall as the storm surges and grows in intensity The thunder rages but eventually subsides By the end of the movement, the sun shines once again with only the softest of rumblings to remind us of the power of the passing storm�
V. Allegretto, “Shepherd’s song. Cheerful and thankful feelings after the storm”
Performed without a break from the previous movement, the finale is signaled by a shepherd’s tune, played first by the clarinet and then echoed nobly by the French horn� This is the joy after the storm� The entire orchestra seems to take flight in growing variations of the simple shepherd’s tune The music offers an ecstatic, drone’s-eye view of the Austrian countryside, at times close to earth and at others soaring above
PRESIDENT
Deborah Stapley-Graham
VICE PRESIDENT
Bill Johnston
TREASURER
Pri Fernando
SECRETARY
Mark Haythornthwaite
PAST PRESIDENT
Jim Valeo
DIRECTORS
Robert Ball
Scott Billadeau
Alicia Brischli
Dan Crary
Teresa Drew
Deirdre Flaherty
Andrew George
Theresa Johnson
Robin Kendall
Vinnie Pavlish
Dave Wall
Sue Williams
MUSIC DIRECTOR
Julia Tai
CHORALE DIRECTOR
Dean Peterson
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
David O’Dell
DIRECTOR OF OPERATIONS
Peter McKenzie
PATRON SERVICES COORDINATOR
Kirsten McGlynn
DEVELOPMENT COORDINATOR
Beth Woody
EDUCATION COORDINATOR
Sylvia Allen Oman
SPECIAL EVENTS AND PROJECTS
Deborah Woody
LIBRARIAN
Suzanne Hartzell
CHORALE LIBARIAN
Abigail Carey
SOCIAL MEDIA COORDINATOR
Olivia Adams
EMERITUS BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Tom Boone
Robert Homer
Caryl Klein
Sophie Lambros
Carol Seim
Marci Valeo
The Missoula Symphony Association is a member of the Montana Association of Symphony Orchestras and the League of American Orchestras.
The Missoula Symphony Association is a member of the Montana Association of Symphony Orchestras and the League of American Orchestras.
The MSA is grateful to the following patrons for their generous gifts. Listed below are contributions of $50 or more within 12 months of February 1, 2024. We apologize for any omissions or errors.
SEASON SPONSOR
Good Food Store
CONCERT SPONSORS
Allied Waste Services of Missoula
Anonymous (2)
Anonymous Chorale Member
Blackfoot Communications
Phyllis & Bill Bouchee
Christian, Samson & Baskett, PLLP
DA Davidson
DeMarois Buick-GMC-Mercedes
First Interstate Bank
First Security Bank
Flaherty Financial Services
Garlington, Lohn & Robinson, PLLP
Langel & Associates P C
Brian Eicholtz & Erik Johnston, Merrill Lynch
Missoula Bone & Joint
Missoulian
Muralt’s Travel Plaza
NorthWestern Energy
Marsh McLennan Agency
RBC Wealth Management
Anne & Bruce Robertson
S G Long & Company
Stockman Bank
Tremper Family
Washington Companies
Dennis and Phyllis Washington Foundation
GUEST ARTIST SPONSORS
Anonymous (3)
Laura & Mark Haythornthwaite
Marci & Jim Valeo
MUSIC DIRECTOR’S CHAIR
SPONSOR
Diana & Rick Nash
CHORALE CONDUCTOR’S CHAIR
SPONSOR
Maria & Peter van Loben Sels
TICKET SPONSOR
Pangea Bar & Restaurant
SPONSOR
NorthWestern Energy
GUEST ARTIST MASTERCLASS SPONSOR
Willams Law Firm, P C
RECEPTION SPONSOR
Leslie & Ed Wetherbee
SPONSOR
Maria & Peter van Loben Sels
William A & Kay Cook
Victoria Fleischer
John & Susan Talbot
($5,000-$24,999)
Anonymous (1)
Jane & Steven Bahls
George Bandow
Blackfoot Communications
First Security Bank
Patricia Forsberg & Stephen Speckart
Bill and Rosemary Gallagher Foundation
Good Food Store
Laura & Mark Haythornthwaite – Principal Flute
Sophie Lambros – Principal Cello
Lillian A McCammon
Betty Miller
Diana & Rick Nash – Music Director’s Chair Sponso r
Anne & Bruce Robertson
John Sargent
Patricia Forsberg & Stephen Speckart
Betty Thisted – Assistant Concertmaster
Marci & Jim Valeo
Maria & Peter van Loben Sels –Principal Harp & Chorale Conductor
Dennis & Phyllis Washington Foundation
Twila Wolfe – Principal Piano
SPONSOR ($1,000-$4,999)
Allied Waste Services Missoula
ALPS Corporation
Anonymous (3)
Arts Missoula
Louisa & Paul Axelrod – Assistant Principal Cello in honor of Suzanne Hartzell
Deann Birnel
Tom Boone – Principal Trumpet
Phyllis & William Bouchee
Janet Boyer
Barbara & Craig Burns
Joan Chesebro
Christian, Samson & Baskett PLLC
Rae Lynn & Frank D’Angelo
D A Davidson & Company
DeMarois Buick-GMC-Mercedes
Michael Duffield
Jill & Jerry Duke
First Interstate Bank
Michael Irwin
Flaherty Financial Services
Garden City Funeral Home
Garlington, Lohn & Robinson, PLLP
Andrew George
Joseph Fox Grinnell
Margie & Steve Grinnell
Janet & Harry Haines –Concertmaster
Colleen Hunter
Joel Jacobson
Dori & Bill Johnston
Jean Larson & Daniel Kemmis
Robin Kendall & Amelia Tallman –Timpani/Percussion
Christine & Paul Kilzer
Wendy & Keith Kuhn
Anita Kurtz-Magee
Dorothea & George P Lambros –Associate Principal Viola
Jo-Ann & Ian Lange
Langel & Associates PC
Logjam Presents
Paddy MacDonald
Sharon & Gerald Marks –Associate Concertmaster
Marsh McLennan Agency
MDU Resources
Sandra & Jeff Miller
Missoula Bone & Joint
Missoula Broadcasting Company
Missoula Public Library
Missoulian
Montana Association of Symphony Orchestras
Robert F Moseley – Principal Viola
Muralt’s Travel Plaza
Charla & Donald Murray –Principal Clarinet
NDG, LLC – Principal Tuba
Northwestern Energy
Mary Ann Oberhaus - Piccolo
Pangea Bar & Restaurant; Stave & Hoop Speakeasy
Parsons Behle & Latimer
Payne West Insurance
Pershing Phillips, Jr
Brad Peterson – Assistant Principal 2nd Violin, n honor of Madeline McKelvey
Liz Putnam & Mark Pershouse
RBC Wealth Management
Amber & Lans Richardson
Jo May & Brian Salonen – in honor of Julia Tai
S G Long Financial
Sharon Snavely – in memory of Don Snavely
Stockman Bank
Linda & Gregg Swanberg
Max and Betty Swanson Foundation
Deirdre Swanson
Sue Talbot
Sarah & William Towle
Peggy & Glenn Tremper
Laura Wagner
Susie & David Wall
Washington Companies
Leslie & Edward Wetherbee
Janet Whaley & Phil Hamilton
Betsy & Warren Wilcox – Principal French Horn
n honor of Madeline McKelvey
Alice & Clem Williams
Jeanne Wilson
Windfall
Wipfli
Jean & William WoessnerPrincipal Bassoon
Jennifer & Ben Yonce – Principal Oboe
Peggy Young
Janet Bean-Dochnahl
Linda & Pri Fernando
Louise & Michael Flanagan
Donna & Don McCammon
Herbert Swick
Thomas Meagher Bar
Barbara Zellmer
David Andrews
Anonymous (1)
Robert Ball
Patrick Beatty
Angela & Scott Billadeau
Adam Collins
Rae Lynn & Frank D’Angelo
Danielle & Brian Eicholtz
Monica & Michael Epstein
Carolyn Goren
Laura & John Heit
Paulette & Andrij Holian
Deborah & Terry Johnson
Tomi Kent
Karen Lacey
Demetra Lambros & Michael Duffy
Richard Legon
Susan Lockner
Mary & Duane Moe
Robin & Nick Nichols
Julie & Vinnie Pavlish
Lindsey Peterson
Jonathan Qualben
Sandra Roe
Rotary Club of Missoula
Donna Thompson
Kathy Turner
Margery & Terry Whatley
Wesley Wilson
Julia Tai & Matthew Wu
Carolyn and Robert Albers
Janet Allison
Elaine & Philip Alman
Cynthia & Raymond Aten
Laurie & Joel Baefsky
Anthony Beltramo
Anne & Jon Bertsche
Sally & Tom Daer
Kathy & Brian Derry
Kay Driscoll
Suzanne & Richard Fahey
Carol Garlington
Tiana & Monte Grise
Linda & Scott Hale
Andrea Henley Heyn – in honor of Julia Tai
Nancy & Doug Heyer
Jenna & Wade Humphries
William James
Joan Johnston
Donna & James Koch
Marilyn & Everett Leitzke
Ann & Gary Libecap
Beth & Paul Loehnen
Sue & Dave McCormack
Patti & Scott McKenzie
Karel Morales
Joyce & Michael Nave
Kent Nelson
Marge Nordin
Janet & Chris Palmer
Nicole & Drew Rieker
Kitte Robins
Kathy & George Roth
Carolyn & John Snively
Rob Sterling
William C Sterling
Sara Alice Steubs
Nat & Margo Sturgis
Pam & Sandy Volkman
Steve Wallace
Gayle Walton
Roxane Weikel
Bruce Whitehead
Phyllis & Norman Wight
Carol Word
Judith & Roger Ahrens
Adele Allegra
Audrey Allen & Keith Hardin
Coco & Will Ballew
Sharee & Kenneth Ballinger
Barbara Bekken
Gerald Berens
Barbara Blegen
Melissa Blunt & Chuck Leonard
Brenda Bolton
Rose-Marie Bowman
Gary Bowman
Keolani & Robert Brewer
Louanna Butler
Mary Ellen Campbell
Lorraine & Steve Carlson
Ralph Chandler
Susan & James Chandler
Karyn & John Collins
Janelle & Steve Corn
Debbie & Brad Dantic
Joan Delasaux
Jan & Brian Dougherty
Cay & John Drew
Donna Erickson & John Koenig
Susan Fortner
Susan Frankovich
Kim Friend-Evans
Lynette Fritz
Maureen Gary
Carla Getz
Carol & Keith Glaes
Kimberley Granath
Anne Guest
William Haffey
Carol Hayes
Sharon & Bob Hinshaw
Patti Holkup
Joan Hood
Elizabeth & Skip Horner
Nathan Hulling
Christine Jackson
Penny Jakes
Tara Jensen
Susan & Charles Johnson
Christine Jorgensen
Marlene Koch
Helena Maclay
Virginia Markey
Andrew Massie
Donna & Don McCammon
Eileen McCarty
Kathy McCaughey
Edith McNenny
Leslie & James McShane
Lynn Metcalf
Missoula Community
Foundation
Montana Rarities
Mike Morelli
Mark Mniszewski
Arlene & Roy Nicolet
Kathleen Ort & John Duffield
Susan Paceley
Diana Pacini & Kevin Nally
Ed Parlier
Celeste Pogachar
Lisa Pyron
Olleke Rappe-Daniels
Linda Rockwell
Patti Rosa
Sally Rosenkranz
Gay Rushmer
Christine & Patrick Ryan
Kay & Jon Salmonson
Sue & Fred Samson – in honor of Patti McKenzie
Robert Schurr
Jeanne & Dennis Simmerman
Kristen Sohlberg
Carol & Dale Stovall
Nancy Stoverud
Nancy Thompson & Dale Woolhiser
John P & Jean ThorstensonGarrity
Sally Tibbs
Judy Tobol
Catherine & Claude Tonnerre
Kathy Tonnessen
Fran Tucker
Phyllis Wade
Mary & David Wesley
Louis & Phyllis Whitsell
Brenna Wilkerson
Sarah Will
Sharon Yould
Martina Baum-Acker & Robert Acker
Anonymous (3)
Mary Archibald
Rachel Ballard
Natalie Benson
Marilyn Bruya
Nancy & Bruce Bugbee
Jane Kapler-Smith
Ann Marie Carbin
Kaye Carlson
Susan Hay Cramer
Navyline Cuenco
JoAnn G Davison
Patti Eldredge
Julia Ellison
Maria Francis
Kelsey Fry
Elizabeth Hart
Bob Homer
Gayle Hudgins & Tim Edwards
Corinne & Ralph Kirscher
Jane Kisselbach
Wendy Lambert
Donald Nevin
Diana Pacini & Kevin Nally
Toni & Bob Ogg
Janice Pavlock
Patricia Peeples
Caren & Chuck Reaves
Laurie & Anthony Rollin
Sue Samson
Nita Smith
Kathleen Snodgrass
Vaun Stevens
Shannon Tanaka
Jason Triche
Annette Walker
Kathleen Whetzel
The following donations have made to the MSA in memory of loved ones in the past 12 months:
Carolyn Albers – in memory of Peter Dayton
Barbara Blegen – in memory of Dorothy & Hal Blegen
Rose-Marie Bowman – in memory of Tracy Jeanne Bowman & Lanny Franzen
Nancy & Bruce Bugbee – in memory of Marci Valeo
Rae Lynn & Frank D’Angelo –in memory of Marci Valeo
Alice & Dick Dailey – in memory of Marci Valeo
Victoria Fleischer – in memory of Victoria Fleischer
Lynette Fritz – in memory of Thomas E. Fritz
Anne Guest – in memory of Marci Valeo
Lynn Metcalf – in memory of Marci Valeo
Kimberley Granath – in memory of Jane Denniso n
Laura & Mark Haythornthwaite – in memory of Peter Dayton
Colleen Hunter – in memory of Peter Dayton
Corinne & Ralph Kirscher – in memory of Don Snavely & Peter Dayton
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
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
Marlene Koch – i n memory of Marci Valeo
Jo-Ann & Ian Lange – in memory of Fred & Paol
Lillian McCammon – in memory of George McCammon & Master Sergeant Barbara McCammon
Lynn Metcalf – i n memory of Marci Valeo
Betty Miller – in memory of Marci Valeo
Mark Mniszewski – in memory of Jane Dennison
Amelia & David O’Dell – i n memory of Marci Valeo
Joyce & Michael Nave – in memory of Marci Valeo
Diana Pacini & Kevin Nally – in memory of Caralee Mueller
John Talbot & Marci Valeo
Mark Pershouse & Liz Putnman –in memory of Anne Putman
Amber & Lans Richardson – in memory of Virginia Vinal
Linda Rockwell – in memory of John F. Tibbs
Susan Paceley – i n memory of Jane Dennison
Jo May & Brian Salonen – in memory of Jean Campbell & Marci Valeo
Nancy Stoverud – in memory of Marci Valeo
Sharon Snavely – in memory of Don Snavely
Betty Thisted – in memory of Marci Valeo
Sarah & William Towle – in memory of Marci Valeo
Jennifer Trujillo - in memory of Fran & Tony Kushlan
Kathy Turner - in memory of Don Snavely, Dick Deden and Chuck Turner
Agnes & Jeff Vandergrift - in memory of Marci Valeo
Steve Wallace – in memory of Christine Wallace
Brenna Wilkerson – in memory of Peter Dayton
Twila Wolfe – in memory of Marci Valeo
Beth Woody – i n memory of Marci Valeo
For more than 40 years, education and community engagement have been at the heart of the Missoula Symphony Association’s mission� Over the past two years, that commitment has grown steadily under the stewardship of Musical Director Julia Tai� This season the Missoula Symphony Association is proud to present the following educational outreach programs throughout the region:
Julia Tai presents a series of four mini concerts in the Library’s Imaginarium focusing on the instruments of the orchestra and guest artists from our 2023-2024 season
4:30-5:30 PM AT THE MISSOULA PUBLIC LIBRARY IMAGINARIUM
Woodwind Quintet - Wednesday, February 28 Brass Ensemble - Wednesday, April 17
Small ensembles of Symphony members perform mini-concerts in Missoula County’s rural communities during the summer months
Students and families are invited to join the Symphony for the dress rehearsal preceding each Masterworks Concert, enhanced by educational materials and a short talk by Music Director Julia Tai�
7:00 PM AT THE DENNISON THEATRE
Friday, March 1 • Friday, April 19 • Friday, May 17
Missoula Symphony musicians visit local high schools to perform and coach music students�
Music Director Julia Tai works with the Missoula Youth Symphony during their rehearsals, and members of MYS perform alongside the Missoula Symphony in a Masterworks concert
Building on the success of the former Montana Suzuki Institute, the MSA collaborated with the UM School of Music to launch the UM/MSA String Camp in June 2023 Welcoming students entering 1st grade through recent high school graduates, the camp offers beginning through advanced instruction on bass, cello, viola and violin All this takes place in a safe, fun musical environment that encourages all campers to achieve their very best� Mark your calendars for this summer’s camp, June 23 - 28 2024
For more information, visit missoulasymphony.org/education
When you sponsor a chair, you honor our individual musician’s exceptional dedication and effort, while helping to sustain high standards of professional support for our named chair musicians.
Chair sponsor benefits include:
Recognition in each concert program book
Invitation to Backstage Pass luncheons and other special events
Opportunity to meet and visit with your sponsored musician at concerts
THE FOLLOWING CHAIR SPONSORSHIPS ARE AVAILABLE:
Trombone English Horn Assistant Viola
Dean Peterson, Chorale Director
Please contact Beth Woody if you can help fill a chair sponsorship. beth@missoulasymphony.org
(406) 721-3194 • www. missoulasymphony.org
CONCERTMASTER
Janet & Harry Haines
ASSOCIATE CONCERTMASTER
Sharon & Gerald Marks
ASSISTANT CONCERTMASTER
Betty Thisted
2ND VIOLIN
Laura Patterson
ASSOCIATE PRINCIPAL 2ND VIOLIN
Frank & Rae Lynn D’Angelo
ASSISTANT PRINCIPAL 2ND VIOLIN
Brad Peterson
PRINCIPAL VIOLA
Robert Moseley
ASSOCIATE PRINCIPAL VIOLA
Dorothea & George P. Lambros
CELLO
Sophie Lambros
ASSISTANT CELLO
Louisa & Paul Axelrod
DOUBLE BASS
Richard & Alice Dailey
ASSOCIATE BASS
Amber & Lans Richardson
FLUTE
Laura & Mark Haythornthwaite
OBOE
Jennifer & Ben Yonce
PICCOLO
Mary Ann Oberhaus
PRINCIPAL CLARINET
Charla & Don Murray
BASSOON
Jean & Bill Woessner
HORN
Betsy & Warren Wilcox
TRUMPET
Ann & Tom Boone
TUBA
NGD, LLC
TIMPANI
Robin Kendall & Amelia Tallman
PERCUSSION
Sharon Snavely
HARP
Peter & Maria
van Loben Sels
PIANO
Twila Wolfe
MUSIC DIRECTOR
Rick & Diana Nash
The University of Montana’s Dennison Theatre and School of Music are proud to serve as home to the Missoula Symphony Orchestra & Chorale. This dynamic partnership between our organizations delivers professional musical opportunities to our students and provides engaging musical experiences for the Missoula community.
First Security Bank | Muralt’s Travel Plaza | Marsh McLennan Agency
Bill and Phyllis Bouchee | Anonymous | S.G. Long & Company
Langel Yonce and Associates PC | Flaherty Financial Services
Garlington Lohn & Robinson, PLLP | Brian Eicholtz, Merrill Lynch
NorthWestern Energy | Missoula Downtown Partnership
Allied Waste Services of Missoula
HOLIDAY POPS!
Anne & Bruce Robertson | Anonymous Chorale Member
Sponsored by the Tremper Family in honor of their parents, Barbara and William Tremper.
SEASON SUPPORT OF THE MISSOULA SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA AND CHORALE IS PROVIDED, IN PART, BY THE MONTANA ARTS COUNCIL AND THE NATIONAL ENDOWMENT FOR THE ARTS.