Bozeman Symphony welcomes first music director finalist for season-opening performances
The Bozeman Symphony begins their 52nd concert season presenting a thrilling array of symphonic repertoire spanning across the eras. Featuring the exceptionally talented members of the orchestra and symphonic choir, along with world-class guest artists, the Symphony is a place where you’ll find new friends and old. Highlighted this season are many local favorites that assuredly make the music sparkle.
Kicking off the season, Nights in the Gardens of Spain will feature the Spanish flavors and exotic sounds of composer Manuel de Falla and more. Bozeman Symphony welcomes Music Director finalist Stefan Sanders and, described as “the Celine Dion of classical” by The Huffington Post, pianist Marika Bournaki. Performances will take place on Saturday, September 28th, at 7:30pm, and Sunday, September 29th, at 2:30pm, both at the Willson Auditorium.
Marika Bournaki is at once a world-class performer, dazzling pianist, vivacious young woman and one of the freshest faces on the classical music scene. Ms. Bournaki not only brings distinctive interpretations to favorite standards but extends her passion for music by commissioning works from younger composers and collaborating with artists from various fields. Marika Bournaki’s innovative approach to her art and performance is reflected in a number of multimedia projects intended to reach out to new audiences. Additionally, her role as Ambassador to the Orchestre Symphonique de Montréal’s summer event, “A Cool Classical Journey,” afforded new and stimulating ways to share her music with the public. Marika Bournaki holds both Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees from The Juilliard School, where her principal teachers were Yoheved Kaplinsky and Matti Raekallio. She makes her home in New York City. Learn more at www.marikabournaki.com.
Sanders will be the first of six Music Director finalists to conduct the orchestra and symphonic choir this season. The organization’s Board of Directors will host finalists over a span of two weeks as each participates in guest conducting rehearsals and performances, along with scheduled activities to include meetings with the orchestra, choir, administrative staff, Board of Directors, donors, community partners, media, Montana State University and the public schools. Music Director finalists will participate in the season’s programming as they present a “conductor’s choice” highlighted at each concert series performance held at Willson Auditorium.
Stefan Sanders, conductor and arts advocate, cultivates cultures of artistic excellence, sustained growth and development, and meaningful engagement within the communities he is fortunate to serve. This year, Stefan embarks on his seventh season as Music Director for the Central Texas Philharmonic, his third season as Music Director for the Fayetteville Symphony Orchestra in North Carolina, and his second season as Music Director for the Spartanburg Philharmonic in South Carolina. Stefan has several upcoming guest conducting engagements including several weeks as the cover/assistant conductor for the New York Philharmonic. In 2016, Stefan was a featured conductor for the League of American Orchestras “Bruno Walter National Conductor Preview.” The prestigious conductor showcase is designed to feature talented young conductors poised for music directorships with American Orchestras. Prior to his conducting career, Stefan was an internationally renowned trombonist. Learn more at www.stefansanders.net.
Adult tickets for Nights in the Gardens of Spain range $22 to $67 with student discounts available. A limited number of rush tickets are also available, based on availability. This concert season is generously supported by David and Risi Ross. Thank you to ERA Landmark for sponsoring these performances.
Tickets for all Bozeman Symphony performances may be reserved in advance at www.bozemansymphony.org or at the door, based on availability. Those interested may also visit the Symphony offices, located at 1001 W Oak St., Ste. 110, or call (406) 585-9774 for further details. •