Symphony features pianist Marika Bournaki ahead of late month Concerto for Hope

The Bozeman Symphony’s piano recital series returns to Reynolds Recital Hall, located inside Howard Hall on the Montana State University Campus, welcoming internationally acclaimed pianist Marika Bournaki on Saturday, October 6th at 7:30pm. Featured will be the works of Ludwig van Beethoven, Robert Schumann, Francis Poulenc, Johannes Brahms, and Frederic Chopin.                  Described as “the Celine Dion of classical” by The Huffington Post, 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.
Bournaki’s innovative approach to her art and performance is reflected in a number of multimedia projects intended to reach out to new audiences. She 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.
Following toward the end of the month, current Principal Trumpet for the Dallas Symphony and former Principal Trumpet for the world famous Canadian Brass, Ryan Anthony joins the Bozeman Symphony to present Concerto for Hope. Anthony is known as one of the greatest trumpeters and entertainers in the world today. Having performed many times with Maestro Matthew Savery, he’s become much in demand among Bozeman audiences. Concerto for Hope is set for Saturday, October 27th at 7:30pm, and Sunday, Oct. 28th at 2:30pm. Both concerts will be held at Willson Auditorium, located at 404 W Main Street in Downtown Bozeman.
The performances will begin with the grandest of ceremonial fanfare, the vivacious Festive Overture by Dmitri Shostakovich. Then, Anthony will take the stage performing James Stephenson’s Concerto for Hope, written specifically to chronicle Anthony’s heroic fight with multiple myeloma, proving nothing can stop the human spirit. The radiant joy of Brahms’ pastoral 2nd Symphony will conclude each performance.
Concerto for Hope is completely and entirely dedicated to Anthony. Just three years before the creation of this concerto, he had been diagnosed with multiple myeloma, a cancer of the blood and bone marrow that is still incurable. Determined to beat it, he’s been on a mission to raise awareness through “Cancer Blows” concerts and establishing the Ryan Anthony Foundation, and telling his story to anyone who will listen. All of this while maintaining an active schedule of performances, clinics, travel, regular treatments, and as a husband and father of two young children. At Anthony’s request, this concerto would be about his story: a concerto that would evoke the events that have shaped forever his view on life, the world, and relationships.
“[…] emotionally powerful, beauty and heartache but ending with hope; fun and full of rejoicing,” Anthony says of the concerto. “My recent life: hearing the news and crying out ‘why’ and realizing ‘what’s going on?’ Then accepting it and dealing with the reality and possible future. Then surviving and enjoying life.”
Ticket prices for the Marika Bournaki-fronted piano recital series are $25 for adults and $15 for students. Single tickets for Concerto for Hope range $27–$67 with student discounts available. Tickets for all Bozeman Symphony performances may be purchased 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.