The Missoula Symphony Presents SYMPHONIC VARIATIONS

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2023 – 2024 SEASON

Julia Tai, Music Director

MASTERWORKS 2 Symphonic Variations


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JULIA TAI, Music Director SÆUNN THORSTEINSDÓTTIR, cello MASTERWORK 2 - SYMPHONIC VARIATIONS November 3rd, 7:30 PM & November 5th, 3:00 PM 69 th Season, 2023-24 Margaret Bonds

The Montgomery Variations I. Decision II. Prayer Meeting III. March IV. Dawn in Dixie

Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky

V. One Sunday in the South VI. Lament VII. Benediction

Variations on a Rococo Theme for Cello and Orchestra, op. 33

Sæunn Thorsteinsdóttir, cello

Intermission Edward Elgar

“Nimrod” from Variations on an Original Theme, op. 36, “Enigma” with Missoula Youth Symphony students (Ryan Davis, Music Director)

Edward Elgar

Variations on an Original Theme, op. 36, “Enigma” Theme I. (C.A.E.) II. (H.D.S-P.) III. (R.B.T.) IV. (W.M.B.) V. (R.P.A.) VI. (Ysobel) VII. (Troyte)

VIII. (W.N.) IX. (Nimrod) X. (Dorabella) Intermezzo XI. (G.R.S.) XII. (B.G.N.) XIII. (***) Romanza XIV. (E.D.U.) Finale

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CONTENTS Music Director �������������������������������������� 10

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Guest Artist ������������������������������������������� 11 President’s Message ��������������������������� 12 Executive Director’s Message � ���������� 13 Missoula Symphony Orchestra ��������� 14 Missoula Youth Symphony Orchestra � ���������������������������������������� 15 Program Notes ������������������������������������� 16 Community Engagement & Education ������������������������������������ 19 Scholarship Fund � �������������������������������� 22 Missoula Symphony Association � �����26 KUFM Broadcast � ������������������������������� 30

Ideas at work, and at play.

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Great music begins with you, now and forever.

PLANNED GIVING Please consider the Missoula Symphony Association in your Planned Giving.

BEQUESTS Please consider naming the Missoula Symphony Association (MSA) in your will and/or trust.

RETIREMENT FUND GIFT IRA contributions can be made directly to the MSA*, are not taxable to the donor and the MSA receives the full amount of your gift.

ENDOWMENT TAX CREDIT The Missoula Symphony Association has a permanent endowment to provide financial stability for decades into the future. Under Montana law, a contribution to our endowment can benefit you with a very generous tax credit.* *Subject to federal and state tax regulations

For more information on leaving a cultural legacy, please contact the MSA office at (406) 721-3194 or info@missoulasymphony.org. (Your legal, tax and financial advisor(s) can help you accomplish your philanthropic & estate planning goals.)

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WELCOME

to Missoula, Sæunn! Sæunn Thorsteinsdóttir, cello

Our guest artist is sponsored by Laura & Mark Haythornthwaite

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CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR VOLUNTEERS OF THE YEAR KRISTEN WOOD AND NOLA LEVISON AND

BOARD MEMBER OF THE YEAR SCOTT BILLADEAU WE THANK YOU FOR YOUR DEDICATION AND SUPPORT OF THE MISSOULA SYMPHONY ASSOCIATION!

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JULIA TAI Music Director 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 renown 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 Mathew have a daughter Natalie who also plays the piano.

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SÆUNN THORSTEINSDÓTTIR Icelandic cellist Sæunn Thorsteinsdóttir enjoys a varied career as a performer, collaborator and teaching artist. She has appeared as soloist with the Los Angeles Philharmonic, NDR Elbphilharmonie Orchester, BBC Symphony Orchestra, Seattle Symphony, Toronto Symphony Orchestra and Iceland Symphony, among others, and her recital and chamber music performances have taken her across the US, Europe and Asia. Sæunn has performed in many of the world’s prestigious venues including Carnegie Hall, Suntory Hall, Elbphilharmonie, Barbican Center and Disney Hall and the Los Angeles Times praised her performances for their “emotional intensity”. In 2022, Sæunn premiered Gemæltan, a new concerto by Canadian/Icelandic composer, Veronique Vaka, with the Iceland Symphony as part of her position as Artist in Residence, as well as performing chamber music and solo recitals in New York, Los Angeles, Reykjavík, San Francisco, Seattle, and Singapore. Recent releases include Vernacular, a solo album of Icelandic music for cello, and the award-winning cello concerto, Quake, written for her by Páll Ragnar Pálsson, with the Iceland Symphony and Daníel Bjarnason on the Sono Luminus label which was nominated for a 2021 Grammy. Her recording of the Bach Cello Suites is due out in June 2023. In addition to collaborating with Daníel Bjarnason on his award-winning composition Bow to String, Sæunn enjoys working with composers of our time such as Páll Ragnar Pálsson, Þuríður Jónsdóttir, Halldór Smárason, and Melia Watras. She has also given the US premiere of Betsy Jolas’ Wanderlied and the Hong Kong premiere of Sofia Gubaidulina’s Canticle of the Sun, for cello, 2 percussionists and choir. An avid chamber musician, she has collaborated in performance with Itzhak Perlman, Mitsuko Uchida, Richard Goode and members of the Emerson, Guarneri and Cavani Quartets and has participated in numerous chamber music festivals, including Prussia Cove and Marlboro, with whom she has toured. Formerly Artist-in-Residence at Green Music Center’s Weill Hall in Sonoma as well as cellist of the Manhattan Piano Trio, she is currently cellist and founding member of Decoda, The Affiliate Ensemble of Carnegie Hall. Sæunn has garnered numerous prizes in international competitions, including the Naumburg Competition in New York and the Antonio Janigro Competition in Zagreb, Croatia. She is an alum of Ensemble Connect— a program of Carnegie Hall, The Juilliard School, and the Weill Music Institute in partnership with the New York City Department of Education—performing chamber music at Carnegie Hall and bringing classical music to students in the New York City Public Schools. Born in Reykjavik, Iceland, Sæunn is on the faculty of the Cincinnati College Conservatory of Music. For more information, please visit www.saeunn.com

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PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE Deborah Stapley-Graham Welcome to our November concert, Symphonic Variations. In this program I would like to take an opportunity to recognize the members of the Missoula Symphony Association board for the dedication each gives to the MSA. The MSA has a true working board that commits innumerable hours toward the organization’s success. Our board members support our Directors’ initiatives, help staff execute Symphony concerts and events, and ensure that we are operating in a way in keeping with a healthy organization. Our board works tirelessly on the MSA’s annual budget as well as its day-to-day finances. I am truly in awe of the hours spent on these vital tasks they take on and am incredibly proud of our board members’ dedication. The MSA board is in the midst of working on a development strategy to be implemented over the next three years, as we find ourselves in a new generation of our beloved Symphony. Our goal is to guide the evolution of the MSA into a even better variation of itself. I am grateful to be a part of this wonderful group of people who give so much of their time and talents toward creating a robust future for our Symphony. I encourage you to take a moment and read through the names of the board in this program. Say hello and thank you when you see them this weekend. They are much deserving of our gratitude.

Deborah Stapley-Graham MSA Board President

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EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR’S MESSAGE David O’Dell Welcome to this second concert of our 2023-2024 season. We’re off to an auspicious start, full of exciting debut artists partnering with our extraordinary orchestra. I hope you were able to join us last August for our annual Symphony in the Park concert and again in September for pianist Charlie Albright’s exceptional performance of Rachmaninoff’s second piano concerto. This weekend we’re delighted to welcome acclaimed awardwinning Icelandic-American cellist Sæunn Thorsteinsdóttir in her Missoula Symphony Orchestra debut. Her superb artistry and authenticity make her a natural fit for Missoula and I know you’ll find her performance deeply moving. This concert features a variety of interesting, comfortable, and compelling music – including masterworks from two of the nineteenth century’s greatest composers. I’m confident you’ll find twentieth century composer Margaret Bonds’ Mongomery Variations interesting and worthy companions to the great variations of Tchaikovsky and Elgar. We’re also proud to partner with the Missoula Youth Symphony in side-by-side performances of a portion of the Enigma Variations – an opportunity that lays the foundation for the Missoula Symphony Orchestra of the future. Finally, on behalf of the entire Symphony family, thank you for your continued support of the Missoula Symphony Orchestra and Chorale. We’re grateful for your attendance, your gifts, and all you do to make our organization such a vibrant part of the cultural fabric of western Montana. We simply couldn’t do it without your help. Enjoy the concert, and we’ll look forward to seeing you again in December for Holiday Pops! With sincere appreciation,

David O’Dell Executive Director

Guest A rtist bouquets provided by Bitterroot Flora l.

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JULIA TAI, Music Director Music Director’s Chair sponsored by Rick & Diana Nash FIRST VIOLIN Loy Koch, acting concertmaster Chair sponsored by Janet & Harry Haines Ali Schultz Levesque acting associate concertmaster Chair sponsored by Sharon & Gerald Marks Tasha Athman Fain, acting assistant concertmaster Chair sponsored by Betty Thisted Owen Cleary+ Alex Crisp Marian Kale Gabe Kantor+ Nancy Lofgren Kohler Edwin Mellander Catherine Treis+ Kyle Unruh SECOND VIOLIN Rachel Schnackel, principal Chair sponsored by Laura Patterson Pam Hillygus, associate principal Chair sponsored by Rae Lynn & Frank D’Angelo Natalie Anderson Ken Ballinger Maren Elliot+ Patricia Forsberg Will Hunt Julie Lacey Patrick Shannon Beatrice Shimanek VIOLA Sara Schultz Levesque, principal Chair sponsored by Robert Moseley Kathryn Mellander, associate principal Chair sponsored by Dorothea & George P Lambros 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 Christine Ranf Sopko, assistant principal Chair sponsored by Louisa & Paul Axelrod

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Dawn Douglas David Harmsworth Kylie Heit+ Saje Johns Bethany Joyce Angelica Kalasz Susan Lofgren Anderson Andrew Taylor DOUBLE BASS 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 ENGLISH HORN Beth Antonopulos, acting principal CLARINET Christopher Kirkpatrick, principal Chair sponsored by Charla & Don Murray Elora Dawson Christopher Dowd BASSOON Alicia Brischli, principal Chair sponsored by Jean & Bill Woessner Logan Beskoon Logan O’Connell-Baker HORN Shannon M. Kerrigan, principal Chair sponsored by Betsy & Warren Wilcox Andrew Morris Daniel Lande Paul Rossi

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TRUMPET Brendan McGlynn, principal Chair sponsored by Ann & Tom Boone Jens Jacobsen Nick Barr TROMBONE Sean Stineford, acting principal Josh Hungate Lexi Vine TUBA Benedict Kirby, principal Chair sponsored by NDG, LLC TIMPANI Hannah Ransom, acting principal Chair sponsored by Robin Kendall & Amelia Tallman PERCUSSION Jake Ransom, assistant principal Chair sponsored by Sharon Snavely Jeffrey Taylor Danger Gersh+ 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


THE MISSOULA YOUTH SYMPHONY

RYAN DAVIS, Music Director

(In Alphabetical Order)

VIOLINS Jasper Alviar Ella Balke Delaney Burbach Storey Caldwell Avena Chao Jazz Chinn Asha Gregoire Beatrice Shimanek, Concertmaster Sebastian Schroeder Sarah Jacobson Hilde Hamilton, Principal 2nd Violin Owen Hiebert Isabella Macaron Wynn McCann Malakai Murphy Adaline Schick Tim Scott Frankie Serban Liam Stoner Gracyn Noon Eme Onaugu Bridger Penny Mai Pham Torsten Peterson Bergen Shager Mairin Graff Faith You, Assistant Concertmaster Amelia Watson Brooke Wiswell Anouk Zunker, Principal 2nd Violin VIOLA Matt Auge Avery Bucklin Chloe Dosier Finley Chatlain McKiel Cooper Juliet Giarraputo Haylee Goodsell Eva Green Adara Hauer Julia Key Teia Nash, Principal Araya Porter, Assistant Principal Reasa McCollum Ayva Ranstrom Branden Roach Scarlett Tamblyn

CELLO Zora Neff Allen Brooke Best, Principal Mayana Kantor Layla Kessler Aurora Kuntz River Lee Connor McCallie Henri Naughton, Assistant Principal Joseph Pallo Max Rosen Autumn Schelvan Lilyanna Schulze Addie Terwilliger Sheldon Tosh Zori Vandergrift Allison Wilswell BASS Heidi Webster, Principal Emerson Brannum Logan Gillespie Kai Knight, Assistant Principal Thatcher Sickich Lenora Sackey Petra Serban Josephine Schulze

HORN Devon Bird Madeleine Grise Ella Slote Bjorn Peterson TRUMPET Beacon Apuzzo Levi Bruner Jack Tallan Williams Dominic Gingerelli TROMBONE Seth Dowdle Kelton Downey Chloe Cotton Liam Rose TUBA Daxton Pettibone PERCUSSION Zoe Gutierez Maxim Kolberg Jake Robbins

FLUTE Emma Seitz Samuel McCarter Becca Kunzelman Ben Zielinski OBOE Brynn Allred Zach Baldwin CLARINET Brogan Downey Alexa McClean Camerin Gregoire Joshua Na BASSOON Sarah Ratz Mack Williams Miranda Wodarz

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PROGRAM NOTES James Randall Margaret Bonds (1913-1972): Montgomery Variations (1964) Until recently, Margaret Bonds’ music, aside from a few songs and arrangements of spirituals, was hardly known at all. Apart from a single concert performance in 1967, the Montgomery Variations was not heard again until 2018. While Bonds composed over 200 works in a wide diversity of styles and genres—jazz, film music, art and popular song, orchestral, and choral works—only a few dozen were published during her lifetime. Many of the original manuscripts of her works were scattered around the country following her death, making a revival of her music a challenge, particularly because the ownership and publication rights to the works were uncertain. Fortunately, as many of the legal rights have now been determined, audiences are hearing more and more of her remarkable music Bonds was born and raised in Chicago. Her father was a doctor, author, and local activist for civil rights, and her mother was a respected educator and musician. Bonds composed her first work when she was just 5, a blues, and she showed extraordinary gifts early on as a pianist. Her parents divorced when she was young, but Bonds’ mother fostered an incredible creative environment for the young composer. Hosting weekly salons for prominent Black writers, poets, and musicians, the Bonds household became an important social hub for the Chicago Black Renaissance of the 1920s. There Bonds had the opportunity to meet important Black musicians and composers of the period, including William Grant Still, Will Marion Cook, and Florence Price. Price in particular became an early mentor for Bonds, encouraging her to pursue composition and piano at Northwestern University, which Bonds did despite the obstacles presented by her race. At age 20, she premiered Florence Price’s Concerto for Piano with the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, becoming the first African American to be featured as an instrumental soloist with that orchestra. Bonds dedicated Montgomery Variations to Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. for his and others’ continued fight for social justice. Each movement is a variation on the Negro spiritual, “I want Jesus to Walk with Me.” According to sacred music historians Victoria Schwarz and Rev. Wilson Pruitt, “’I Want Jesus to Walk with Me’ is simultaneously several different things: it is a song of lament, a song of personal invitation, and a statement of assurance that Jesus walks alongside those who suffer.” Many of the lines also serve as an invocation: “In my trials, Lord, walk with me…/When my heart is almost breaking… walk with me/When my head is bowed in sorrow… walk with me.” These words, while never sounded in these purely instrumental variations, nonetheless reverberate throughout the work. Through Bonds’ titles of the movements and her brief descriptions below, she bears witness to some of the most difficult and tragic events in the history of Civil Rights Movement—from the boycott of Montgomery Alabama’s segregated buses, to the bombing of the Sixteenth Street Baptist Church in Birmingham that took the lives of four young girls. Bonds provided the following descriptions: I. Decision “Under the leadership of Martin Luther King Jr. and SCLC, Negroes in Montgomery decided to boycott the bus company and to fight for their rights as citizens.” II. Prayer Meeting “True to custom prayer meetings precede their action. Prayer meetings start quietly with humble petitions to God. During the course of meetings, members seized with religious fervor shout and dance. Oblivious to their fellow worshippers they exhibit their love of God and their Faith in Deliverance by gesticulation, clapping, and beating of feet.” III. March “The Spirit of the Nazarene marching with them, the Negroes of Montgomery walked to their work rather than be segregated on the buses. The entire world, symbolically with them, marches.” IV. Dawn in Dixie “Dixie, the home of the Camellias known as ‘pink perfection,’ magnolias, jasmine and Spanish moss, awakened to the fact that something new was happening in the South.” 16

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V. One Sunday in the South “Children were in Sunday School learning about Jesus, the Prince of Peace. Southern ‘die-hards’ planted a bomb and several children were killed.” VI. Lament “The world was shaken by the cruelty of the Sunday School bombing. Negroes, as usual, leaned on their Jesus to carry them through this crisis of grief and humiliation.” VII. Benediction “A benign God, Father, and Mother to all people, pours forth Love to His children—the good and the bad alike.”

Pytor Ilyich Tchaikovsky (1840-1893): Variations on a Rococo Theme, Op. 33 (1877) Sadly, Tchaikovsky never wrote a cello concerto, but he did come through with these lovely variations. While the title might hint that he composed these on a pre-existing classical melody— as Brahms famously did on a theme by Haydn—this melody is Tchaikovsky’s own. His model was Mozart, whom he deeply admired. And, in keeping with a classical style, the orchestration is quite light, scored for strings, woodwinds, and two horns. Unlike the other variations we hear today, these variations lack an accompanying story or program; rather, each is a purely musical exploration of the theme, challenging both the virtuosity and stamina of the soloist, especially in the higher range of the instrument. Rather than hiding the tune amidst increasingly complex variations, Tchaikovsky keeps the melody in the foreground. It’s never far from our ears, but our interest is kept through inventive settings of the tune and Tchaikovsky’s transformation of the connective passages between variations. The work was written for and premiered by Tchaikovsky’s friend, the young German cellist Wilhelm Fitzenhagen, who was also a professor at the Moscow Conservatory. Famously, Fitzenhagen also played an important role in shaping the work as we hear it today. In fact, it’s a great example of the creative (if not always cooperative!) collaboration that can emerge between composer and performer. And, perhaps, the extent to which a good friend can test the limits of a friendship. In this case, Tchaikovsky was feeling the pressure of impending deadlines in 1876 when he began composing the work: “Many people keep dropping in here unexpectedly—it seems that everyone in Petersburg is holding me back, when I had stupidly imagined that it would be possible to take advantage of the holidays to work.” When he was finally able to finish a first draft of the work, he sent it to Fitzenhagen, who proceeded to make quite major changes to the solo cello part. Maybe because he was pressed for time Tchaikovsky was quite gracious in accepting these revisions and proceeded to orchestrate the piece. Perhaps this emboldened Fitzenhagen, because when the work premiered in Moscow under the direction of Nikolai Rubinstein, Fitzenhagen took yet further liberties and, without Tchaikovsky’s permission, rearranged the order of the variations and left out another variation altogether. Nevertheless, Fitzenhagen’s version was a huge success (conveniently, Tchaikovsky was out of town). Considerably later, when the work was to be published, Fitzenhagen continued to assert himself. Tchaikovsky’s publisher wrote to the composer: “Loathsome Fitzenhagen! He is most insistent on making changes to your cello piece, and he says that you have given him full authority to do so.” For his part, Tchaikovsky seems to have thrown in the towel. In showing another cellist, Anatoliy Brandukov, drafts for publication, he said “That idiot Fitzenhagen’s been here. Look what he’s done to my piece—he’s altered everything!” The cellist asked what he was going to do about it, and Tchaikovsky responded: “The devil take it! Let it stand as it is!” And so it stands today. While Tchaikovsky’s original conception for the variations has been performed and recorded, it’s Fitzenhagen’s version that has endeared itself to soloists and audiences alike.

Edward Elgar (1857-1934): Enigma Variations, Op. 36 (1899) When we hear Elgar’s music today, we often think of it as a soundtrack for British national identity and a metaphor for the dignity and emotional reserve associated with important occasions. During the reign of George V, he was named “Master of the King’s Musick,” an honorary title equivalent to poet laureate. And his most famous work, of course, is “Pomp and Circumstance,” a tune which rings in the ears of anyone who has ever attended a high school SYMPHONIC VARIATIONS

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or college graduation. But despite all the “pomp” now associated with him, Elgar came from rather humble beginnings. He didn’t always feel quite so British, either. An ardent Catholic, his faith sometimes put him at odds with the Anglican majority (and the faith of the Crown), and his social class, too, hindered his educational opportunities and access to the connections that might have made his rise to fame a bit quicker. Perhaps as the result of these circumstances, he was also a lifelong sufferer of what we might call “imposter syndrome” today, never quite confident he deserved his hard-earned accolades. Elgar was immersed in music from an early age. His father owned a small village music shop, tuned pianos, and worked as a church organist. Elgar at first aspired to become a professional violinist, but as he matured, he dreamed of studying composition in Germany. Unfortunately, he lacked the musical resources to make it happen. He was mostly self-taught, studying the scores of his European idols, Beethoven, Schumann, and Dvořák, and, on the English side of the channel, the Baroque composer Henry Purcell. It’s an irony that in Elgar’s youth, Britain was still being referred to by the Germans as “das Land ohne Musik” [the land without music]. Many in Britain shared that opinion, encouraging continental composers over their own. Elgar, along with Ralph Vaughan Williams and Gustav Holst were among those responsible for ushering in a new Renaissance in English music in the early 20th century. Elgar was already in his 40s when he wrote the Enigma Variations, which brought him his first real fame. He dedicated the piece “to my friends pictured within,” with each of the fourteen variations representing a different person (including Elgar himself). Some of the variations are character sketches, while other allude to a shared experience or association with the person. As for the “Enigma,” Elgar said “…I will not explain—its ‘dark saying’ must be left unguessed, and I warn you that the connexion between the Variations and the Theme is often of the slightest texture; further, through and over the whole set another and larger theme ‘goes,’ but is not played…So the principal Theme never appears…” Many have attempted to solve the puzzle, but Elgar, unfortunately, took this one to his grave. Some have suggested that the unheard “Theme” is not a real tune at all, but rather a concept that binds the variations together metaphorically: “friendship,” for example. But Elgar seemed to suggest later in life that the Enigma Theme was an actual well-known melody against which the theme in the variations could be played as an accompaniment. A variety of tunes have been proposed as a solution—”Rule Britannia,” or “Auld Lang Syne”—but Elgar never confirmed any of them. Fortunately, he was more forthcoming in his descriptions of the friendships represented in each variation. Below are his own notes on “the friends within.” I. “C.A.E” [Caroline Alice Elgar, the composer’s wife] “There is no break between the theme and this movement. The variation is really a prolongation of the theme with what I wished to be romantic and delicate additions; those who knew C.A.E. will understand this reference to one whose life as a romantic and delicate inspiration.” II. H.D.S.-P. “Hew David Steuart-Powell was a well-known amateur pianist and a great player of chamber music. He was associated with B.G.N. (Cello) and the Composer (Violin) for many years in this playing. His characteristic diatonic run over the keys before beginning to play is here humorously travestied in the semiquaver [sixteenth-note] passages; these should suggest a Toccata, but chromatic beyond H.D.S.-P.’s liking.” III. R.B.T. “Richard Baxter Townshend, whose Tenderfoot books are now so well-known and appreciated. The Variation has a reference to R.B.T.’s presentation of an old man in some amateur theatricals—the low voice flying off occasionally into ‘soprano’ timbre. The oboe gives a somewhat pert version of the theme, and the growing grumpiness of the bassoons is important.” IV. W.M.B. “A country squire, gentleman and scholar. In the days of horses and carriages it was more difficult than in these days of petrol to arrange the carriages for the day to suit a large number of guests. This variation was written after the host had, with a slip of paper in his hand, forcibly read out the arrangements for the day and hurriedly left the music-room with an inadvertent bang of the door. In bars 15-24 are some suggestions of the teasing attitude of the guests. continued on page 25 18

MISSOULA SYMPHONY ASSOCIATION


COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT & EDUCATION 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:

SYMPHONY KIDS @ MISSOULA PUBLIC LIBRARY

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 Wednesday, September 20 • Wednesday, November 1 Wednesday, February 28 • Wednesday, April 17

BRANCH LIBRARY CONCERTS

Small ensembles of Symphony members perform mini-concerts in Missoula County’s rural communities during the summer months.

STUDENT NIGHT @DRESS REHEARSAL

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, September 22 • Thursday, November 2 Friday, March 1 • Friday, April 19 • Friday, May 17

SYMPHONY IN THE SCHOOLS

Missoula Symphony musicians visit local high schools to perform and coach music students.

MISSOULA YOUTH SYMPHONY SIDE-BY-SIDE

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.

UM/MSA STRING CAMP

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. Stay tuned for 2024 dates

For more information, visit missoulasymphony.org/education

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Proud Supporter of the Missoula Symphony Orchestra and Chorale

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MISSOULA SYMPHONY SCHOLARSHIP FUND “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.

SCHOLARSHIP FUND SUPPORTERS The MSA is grateful to the following patrons for their generous gifts. Listed below are contributions of $25 or more within 12 months of October 1, 2023. We apologize for any omissions or errors. PRESTISSIMO ($500+) 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 Jean & William Woessner

VIVACE ($100-$249) Nancy Jean DeCou Deborah & Terry Johnson Lynn Metcalf Charla & Donald Murray Sarah & William Towle Carol Word ALLEGRO ($50-$99) Brenda Bolton ALLEGRETTO ($25-$49) Barbara Collins

PRESTO ($250-$499) Anonymous Kay Driscoll Sharon Snavely Sara Alice Steubs Kathy Turner

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.

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MISSOULA SYMPHONY ASSOCIATION


While that is still well and fully true, real music is so much more. It is soul. It is life.”— Jayla Mitchell

SCHOLARSHIP FUND SUPPORTERS 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.

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jgardner@E ERALambros.com www.JulieGardnerProperties.com 24

MISSOULA SYMPHONY ASSOCIATION

Julie Gardner (406) 532-9233


PROGRAM NOTES continued from page 18 V. R.P.A. “Richard P. Arnold, son of Matthew Arnold. A great lover of music which he played (on the pianoforte) in a self-taught manner, evading difficulties but suggesting in a mysterious way the real feeling. His serious conversation was continually broken up by whimsical and witty remarks. The theme is given by the basses with solemnity and in the ensuing major portion there is much light-hearted badinage among the wind instruments. VI. Ysobel “A Malvern lady, an amateur viola player. It may be noticed that the opening bar, a phrase made use of throughout the variation, is an ‘exercise’ for crossing the strings—a difficulty for beginners; on this is built a pensive and, for a moment, romantic movement.” VII. Troyte “A well-known architect in Malvern. The boisterous mood is mere banter. The uncouth rhythm of the drums and lower strings was really suggested by some maladroit essays to play the pianoforte; later the strong rhythm suggests the attempts of the instructor (E.E.) to make something like order of chaos, and the final despairing ‘slam’ records that the effort proved to be vain.” VIII. W.N. “Really suggested by an eighteenth-century house. The gracious personalities of the ladies are sedately shown. W.N. was more connected with music than others of the family, and her initials head the movement; to justify this position a little suggestion of a characteristic laugh is given.” IX. Nimrod [A.J. Jaeger] “The variation… is the record of a long summer evening talk, when my friend discoursed eloquently on the slow movements of Beethoven, and said that no one could approach Beethoven as his best in this field, a view with which I cordially concurred. It will be noticed that the opening bars are made to suggest the slow movement of the Eighth Sonata (Pathétique). Jaeger was for years the dear friend, the valued adviser and the stern critic of many musicians besides the writer; his place has been occupied but never filled.” X. Dorabella [Dora Penny] “INTERMEZZO. The pseudonym is adopted from Mozart’s Così fan tutte. The movement suggests a dance-like lightness. The inner sustained phrases at first on the viola and later on the flute should be noted. XI. G.R.S. “George Robertson Sinclair, Mus. D., late organist of Hereford Cathedral…The first few bars were suggested by his great bulldog Dan (a well-known character) falling down the steep bank into the river Wye (bar 1); his paddling up stream to find a landing place (bars 2 and 3); and his rejoicing bark on landing (2nd half of bar 5). G.R.S. said, “Set that to music.” I did; here it is. XII. B.G.N. “Basil G. Nevinson, an amateur cello player of distinction and the associate with H.D. S.-P. and the writer (violin) in performances of many trios—a serious and devoted friend. The variation is a tribute to a very dear friend whose scientific and artistic attainments, and the whole-hearted way they were put at the disposal of his friends, particularly endeared him to the writer.” XIII. *** [Lady Mary Lygon] “The asterisks take the place of the name of a lady who was, at the time of the composition, on a sea voyage. The drums suggest the distant throb of the engines of a liner, over with the clarinet quotes a phrase from Mendelssohn’s Calm Sea and Prosperous Voyage.” XIV. E.D.U. [Edward Elgar] “FINALE: bold and vigorous in general style. Written at a time when friends were dubious and generally discouraging as the composer’s musical future, this variation is merely to show what E.D.U. (a paraphrase of a fond name) intended to do. References made to Var. I (C.A.E.) and to Var. IX (Nimrod), two great influences to the life and art of the composer, are entirely fitting to the intention of the piece. The whole of the work is summed up in the triumphant broad presentation of the theme in the major.”

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PRESIDENT Deborah Stapley-Graham

DIRECTOR OF OPERATIONS Peter McKenzie

VICE PRESIDENT Bill Johnston

PATRON SERVICES COORDINATOR Kirsten McGlynn

TREASURER Pri Fernando

DEVELOPMENT COORDINATOR Beth Woody

SECRETARY Mark Haythornthwaite

EDUCATION COORDINATOR Sylvia Allen Oman

PAST PRESIDENT Jim Valeo

SPECIAL EVENTS AND PROJECTS Deborah Woody

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

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

MUSIC DIRECTOR Julia Tai

The Missoula Symphony Association is a member of the Montana Association of Symphony Orchestras and the League of American Orchestras.

CHORALE DIRECTOR Dean Peterson EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR David O’Dell

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 October 1, 2023. 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 DeMarois Buick-GMC-Mercedes First Interstate Bank First Security Bank Flaherty Financial Services Garlington, Lohn & Robinson, PLLP Langel & Associates P.C. Brian Eicholtz, Merrill Lynch Missoula Bone & Joint

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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 Chorale Member Laura & Mark Haythornthwaite Marci & Jim Valeo MUSIC DIRECTOR’S CHAIR SPONSOR Diana & Rick Nash

MISSOULA SYMPHONY ASSOCIATION

CHORALE CONDUCTOR’S CHAIR SPONSOR TICKET SPONSOR Pangea Bar & Restaurant DOWNBEAT DOWNLOW SPONSOR NorthWestern Energy THE ED & LESLIE WETHERBEE RECEPTION SPONSOR Leslie & Ed Wetherbee COMMUNITY PARTNERSHIP Park Side Credit Union YOUTH EDUCATION PROGRAM SPONSOR Maria & Peter van Loben Sels


MAESTRO ($25,000+) William A. & Kay Cook John & Susan Talbot CONDUCTOR ($5,000-$24,999) Anonymous (1) Jane & Steven Bahls Blackfoot Communications Alice & Richard Dailey Principal Bass First Security Bank 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 Sponsor Anne & Bruce Robertson John Sargent Patricia Forsberg & Stephen Speckart Betty Thisted – Assistant Concertmaster Tremper Family Marci & Jim Valeo Maria & Peter van Loben Sels – Principal Harp Dennis & Phyllis Washington Foundation Twila Wolfe – Principal Piano SPONSOR ($1,000-$4,999) Allied Waste Services Missoula ALPS Corporation Anonymous (3) Maggie & Frank Allen Arts Missoula Louisa & Paul Axelrod – Assistant Principal Cello Deann Birnel Phyllis & William Bouchee Janet Boyer Joan Chesebro Christian, Samson & Baskett PLLC Rae Lynn & Frank D’Angelo D.A. Davidson & Company Jill & Jerry Duke Linda & Pri Fernando DeMarois Buick-GMC-Mercedes First Interstate Bank Flaherty Financial Services Garlington, Lohn & Robinson, PLLP Andrew George Ann & Tom Boone – Principal Trumpet Margie & Steve Grinnell Janet & Harry Haines – Concertmaster Joel Jacobson Donald Johnston 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 MDU Resources Sandra & Jeff Miller Missoula Bone & Joint Missoulian Montana Association of Symphony Orchestras Robert F. Moseley – Principal Viola Missoula Broadcasting Company Muralt’s Travel Plaza Charla & Donald Murray – Principal Clarinet NDG, LLC – Principal Tuba Robin & Nick Nichols Northwestern Energy Mary Ann Oberhaus - Piccolo Missoula Public Library Pangea Bar & Restaurant; Stave & Hoop Speakeasy Parsons Behle & Latimer Payne West Insurance Pershing Phillips, Jr. RBC Wealth Management Amber & Lans Richardson – Associate Principal Bass 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 - in honor of Jo May Salonen Julia Tai & Matthew Wu Sue Talbot Sarah & William Towle Janet Whaley & Phil Hamilton Jean & William Woessner – Principal Bassoon Jennifer & Ben Yonce – Principal Oboe Betsy & Warren Wilcox – Principal French Horn Washington Companies Leslie & Edward Wetherbee Windfall Wipfli Peggy Young Laura Wagner Alice & Clem Williams BENEFACTOR ($600-$999) Louise & Michael Flanagan Michael Irwin Ann & Gary Libecap Susan Lockner Herbert Swick Thomas Meagher Bar Steve Wallace

Barbara Zellmer CONTRIBUTOR ($450-$599) Anonymous (1) David Andrews Angela & Scott Billadeau Elsie Bull Barbara & Craig Burns Patrick Beatty Adam Collins Danielle & Brian Eicholtz Monica & Michael Epstein Dave & Paulette Fisher Carolyn Goren Joseph Fox Grinnell Millicent & Robert Hawkins Laura & John Heit Deborah & Terry Johnson Kari Kale Karen Lacey Mary & Duane Moe Karel Morales Julie & Vinnie Pavlish Jonathan Qualben Sandra Roe Deborah Stapley-Graham Rob Sterling Wesley Wilson Margery & Terry Whatley PATRON ($250-$449) Janet Allison Carolyn and Robert Albers Adele & Richard Allegra Elaine & Philip Alman Cynthia & Raymond Aten Laurie & Joel Baefsky Anthony Beltramo Anne & Jon Bertsche Marilyn Bruya Sally & Tom Daer Nancy Jean DeCou Kathy & Brian Derry Kay & Jim Driscoll Carol Garlington Mary & Donald Gillespie Tiana & Monte Grise Linda & Scott Hale Laura & John Heit Andrea Henley Heyn – in honor of Julia Tai Nancy & Doug Heyer William James Joan Johnston Tomi Kent Russ Keogh Donna & James Koch Marilyn & Everett Leitzke Virginia Markey Sue & Dave McCormack Patti & Scott McKenzie Beth & Paul Loehnen Merrill Lynch Kent Nelson Marge Nordin Janet & Chris Palmer Nicole & Drew Rieker Rotary Club of Missoula Kathy & George Roth Carolyn & John Snively Sara Alice Steubs Nat & Margo Sturgis Sally Tibbs SYMPHONIC VARIATIONS

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Kathy Turner Agnes & Jeff Vandergrift Cristin & Richard Volinkaty Gayle Walton Mary & David Wesley Bruce Whitehead Phyllis & Louis Whitsell Judith Williams Luella & Wes Wilson Beth Woody Carol Word ASSOCIATE ($100-$249) Karen Ruth Adams & Christopher Muste Judith & Roger Ahrens Sharee & Kenneth Ballinger Richard Baskett Boxcar Bistro Barbara Blegen Christy Bocinski Gary Bowman Louanna Butler Gerard Burns Mary Ellen Campbell Lorraine & Steve Carlson Kaye Carlson Susan & James Chandler Karyn & John Collins Janelle & Steve Corn Juliena Darling Joan Delasaux John Drew Susan Fortner Susan Frankovich Kim Friend-Evans Lynette Fritz Jean & John P. ThorstensonGarrity Carla Getz Carol & Keith Glaes William Haffey Tyler Harrison Sharon & Bob Hinshaw Kate Holsapple Leslie & Mike Halligan Marcia Holland & Chuck Pengelly Penny Jakes Kathleen & John Jenks Susan & Charles Johnson Paulette Jones Sandra Lawler Jacqueline Leung Donna & Don McCammon Corinne & Ralph Kirscher Helena Maclay Virginia Markey Andrew Massie Kathy McCaughey Donna & Don McCammon Edith McNenny Leslie & James McShane Lynn Metcalf Missoula Community Foundation Montana Rarities Mike Morelli Mark Mniszewski Mary & Ted Morse – in honor of Coco & Will Ballew Gerald Mueller

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Toni & Bob Ogg Kathleen Ort & John Duffield Susan Paceley Diana & Kevin Pacini Ed Parlier Patricia Peeples Priscilla & Robert Phillips Plum Property Management Lisa Plunkett Celeste Pogachar Addie & Chris Porter Sally Porter Lisa Pyron Olleke Rappe-Daniels Caren & Chuck Reaves Stacy & Rich Ridenour – in tribute to Louis & Phyllis Whitsell Kitte Robins Patti Rosa Sally Rosenkranz Gay Rushmer Kay & Jon Salmonson Sue & Fred Samson – in honor of Patti McKenzie Robert Schurr Scotty’s Table Jeanne & Dennis Simmerman Kristen Sohlberg Deborah Stapley-Graham Carol & Dale Stovall The Depot Nancy Thompson & Dale Woolhiser Judy Tobol Catherine & Claude Tonnerre Kathy Tonnessen Fran Tucker Phyllis Wade Jacque Walawander Brenna Wilkerson Sarah Will Louis & Phyllis Whitsell Sharon Yould MEMBER ($50-$99) Nukhet & John Anders Mary Archibald Anonymous (3) Rachel Ballard Martina Baum-Acker & Robert Acker Patrick Beatty Peter Bensen Natalie Benson Brenda Bolton Rose-Marie Bowman Marilyn Bruya Barbara Collins Navyline Cuenco JoAnn G. Davison Tim Edwards Patti Eldredge Julia Ellison Suzanne & Richard Fahey Frances & Michael Flaherty Maria Francis Anne Frugoli Paulette Fischer Michael Flaherty Susan Goss

MISSOULA SYMPHONY ASSOCIATION

Kimberley Granath Elizabeth Hart Patti Holkup Bob Homer Gayle Hudgins Christine Jackson Jeffrey Aaron Jacobs Jane Kisselbach Wendy Lambert Richard Odan Laurie & Anthony Rollin Sue Samson Laela & Dick Shimer Kathleen Snodgrass Kristen Sohlberg Shannon Tanaka Martha & Russell Thayer Jason Triche Annette Walker MEMORIAL DONATIONS The following donations have made to the MSA in memory of loved ones in the past 12 months: Carolyn Alberts – in memory of Peter Dayton Richard Baskett – in memory of Don Snavely Barbara Blegen – in memory of Dorothy & Hal Blegen Juliena Darling – in memory of Don Snavely Paulette & Dave Fisher – in memory of Don Snavely Michael Flaherty – in memory of Caralee Mueller Lynette Fritz – in memory of Thomas E. Fritz Kimberley Granath – in memory of Jane Dennison Leslie & Mike Halligan –in memory of Don Snavely Laura & Mark Haythornthwaite – in memory of Peter Dayton Colleen Hunter – in memory of Peter Dayton Kathleen & John Jenks –in memory of Don Snavely Corinne & Ralph Kirscher – in memory of Don Snavely & Peter Dayton Donna & James Koch – in memory of Doosey Habbe Dorothea & George Lambros – in memory of Jane Dennison Jo-Ann & Ian Lange – in memory of Fred & Paol Susan Lockner – in memory of Don Snavely Helena Maclay – in memory of Don Snavely Lillian McCammon – in memory of George McCammon & Master Sergeant Barbara McCammon


Mark Mniszewski – in memory of Jane Dennison Susan Paceley – in memory of Jane Dennison Priscilla & Robert Phillips –in memory of Don Snavely Sally Porter – in memory of Nick Porter Amber & Lans Richardson – in memory of Virginia Vinal Jo May & Brian Salonen – in memory of Jean Campbell Sharon Snavely – in memory of Don Snavely Rob Sterling – in memory of Margaret Sterling Jennifer Trujillo - in memory of Fran & Tony Kushlan Kathy Turner - in memory of Don Snavely & Dick Deden Steve Wallace – in memory of Christine Wallace Betsy & Warren Wilcox – in memory of Don Snavely Brenna Wilkerson – in memory of Peter Dayton Wesley Wilson – in memory of Peter Dayton Twila Wolfe – in memory of Don Snavely

Garden City Funeral Home Funerals Cremation Memorials Planning Ahead

Modern New Facility to Serve the Community.

1705 W Broadway St, Missoula (406) 543-4190 www.gardencityfh.com

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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 30

MISSOULA SYMPHONY ASSOCIATION


Student Night at Dress Rehearsal

Sponsored by Bill and Rosemary Gallagher Foundation Your support of young people in Missoula means so much. Thank you!

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Thank you to our ticket sponsor!

NEW FALL MENU RELEASE NOVEMBER 9TH

Encore performance of Culinary Arts after each Saturday night concert throughout the season! 223 North Higgins Street | mtpangea.com

WINE, WHISKEY AND WISDOM ENJOY CURATED TOP-SHELF WINE & WHISKEY WITH LIVE MUSIC & TRIVIA! SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 18, 2024 6:00 PM-8:00 PM

Stave & Hoop $150 per person

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MISSOULA SYMPHONY ASSOCIATION


HOLLINGER VIOLINS Master quality instruments for professionals & aspiring students 2 generations of craftsman

VIOLIN • VIOLA • CELLO Bows ~ Cases ~ Accessories Only Violin Maker in Montana voted into the AFVBM

406-542-2012 • hollingerviolins.com

Speakeasy Symphony: New Orleans FRIDAY, JUNE 7, 2024 DoubleTree by Hilton Missoula – Edgewater Exclusive Auction Items from the Missoula Symphony Orchestra & Chorale Cash Bar • Delicious Dinner Live Entertainment

Contact the Symphony office for more details: (406) 721-3194 SYMPHONIC VARIATIONS

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SAVE THE DATE

HOLIDAY Pops! Featuring the Missoula Symphony Chorale

Friday, December 1, 7:30 p.m. Saturday, December 2, 7:30 p.m. Sunday, December 3, 3:00 p.m Dennison Theatre, University of Montana

Julia Tai, Music Director Dean Peterson, Conductor Missoula Symphony Chorale

BUY TICKETS: missoulasymphony.org or call (406) 721-3194. 34

MISSOULA SYMPHONY ASSOCIATION


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.

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2023-2024 SEASON

THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS! SYMPHONY IN THE PARK 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

STRUGGLE & TRIUMPH

SYMPHONIC VARIATIONS

HOLIDAY POPS!

HARRY POTTER AND HIS MAGICAL ORCHESTRA JOURNEY

IN NATURE’S REALM

MOVING TOWARD THE LIGHT Anne & Bruce Robertson | Anonymous Chorale Member

BROADWAY CONCERT Sponsored by the Tremper Family in honor of their parents, Barbara and William Tremper.

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SEASON SPONSOR MEDIA SPONSORS

DOWNBEAT LOWDOWN SPONSOR

ACCOMMODATIONS SPONSOR

COMMUNITY PARTNER

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.

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Keep the Music Alive 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

CHAIR SPONSORS CONCERTMASTER ASSOCIATE PRINCIPAL VIOLA Janet & Harry Haines Dorothea & George P. ASSOCIATE Lambros CONCERTMASTER CELLO Sharon & Gerald Marks Sophie Lambros ASSISTANT CONCERTMASTER ASSISTANT CELLO Betty Thisted Louisa & Paul Axelrod 2ND VIOLIN DOUBLE BASS Laura Patterson Richard & Alice Dailey ASSOCIATE PRINCIPAL ASSOCIATE BASS 2ND VIOLIN Amber & Lans Richardson Frank & Rae Lynn D’Angelo FLUTE ASSISTANT PRINCIPAL Laura & Mark Haythornthwaite 2ND VIOLIN OBOE Brad Peterson Jennifer & Ben Yonce PRINCIPAL VIOLA PICCOLO Robert Moseley Mary Ann Oberhaus PRINCIPAL CLARINET Charla & Don Murray 38

MISSOULA SYMPHONY ASSOCIATION

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


We say YES to the symphony!

2023 Park Side Partner SYMPHONIC VARIATIONS

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