Bozeman Symphony ignites audiences with Bohemian Fire, an expansive program exploring unity, resilience and passion through music spanning generations and continents. Conducted by Bozeman Symphony’s Music Director, Norman Huynh, it will feature the Montana premiere of Jennifer Higdon’s luminous Cello Concerto, performed by acclaimed cellist and returning audience favorite, Julian Schwarz. Performances will be held Saturday, October 10th, at 7:30pm, and Sunday, October 11th, at 2:30pm. Both will be held at the Willson Auditorium in Downtown Bozeman.
The concert opens with Valerie Coleman’s Umoja – Anthem of Unity, a powerful celebration of community and togetherness. Higdon’s Cello Concerto follows, showcasing Schwarz’s lyrical artistry and extraordinary technical command.
“Julian [Schwarz] has an incredible sound,” said composer Jennifer Higdon, “and I really wanted to show off his playing.”
Higdon’s preparation for composing the work embraced a study of many masterpieces for the cello: “The repertoire has an incredible history, from Bach to the Dvořák concerto, and it all has something to give.”
The composer and the soloist emailed each other, maintaining contact through the composing process: “That’s an advantage Beethoven never had!” Higdon said.
Grammy-nominated cellist Julian Schwarz has been heralded from a young age as a cellist destined to rank among the greatest of the 21st century. His powerful tone, effortless virtuosity, and extraordinarily broad color palette are hallmarks of his style. Schwarz previously performed with the Bozeman Symphony and returns to Bozeman for this special performance.
The program concludes with Antonín Dvořák’s dramatic and passionate Symphony No. 7 in D minor, a sweeping work filled with intensity, lyricism and Czech-inspired character.
Performances will be held Oct. 10th–11th at the Willson Auditorium in Downtown Bozeman. Individual tickets are available for purchase online at www.bozemansymphony.org or by phone at (406) 585-9774. Tickets at the door based on availability. Tickets begin at $33 with student-discounted tickets available.
These concerts are made possible through the generous support of sponsors Bob & Donna Ritchie, Bruce & Kimberlie Jodar, Prof. Rob Maher & Ms. Lynn Peterson-Maher, Dr. Jeffrey Barish & Dr. Elaine Best, Keith & Lisa Reed, and Mark & Lori Rosolowsky. •
