Our Classical Series
Experience the power, passion, and connection of live music with our seven-concert Classical Series—where every performance takes you on a journey both close to the heart and across continents and centuries. This is music that moves us emotionally, culturally, and collectively. Travel from the profound drama of Beethoven and the radiant elegance of Mozart to the sweeping lyricism of Dvořák and Brahms and the shimmering colors of Debussy. Featuring acclaimed guest artists and the extraordinary talents of our orchestra and choir, each concert offers an immersive, transformative experience. Whether the music stirs cherished memories or opens doors to new horizons, you’ll feel its power to move us… near and far.
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Revolution & Revelry: Shostakovich 5
September 12 + 13, 2026 // Willson Auditorium
Open the season with a thrilling program that bridges continents and eras. Bernstein’s sparkling Candide Overture launches the evening, followed by Liszt’s Second Piano Concerto, performed by Ying Li. The program culminates in Shostakovich’s monumental Fifth Symphony. Learn more!
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Bohemian Fire
October 10 + 11, 2026 // Willson Auditorium
Valerie Coleman’s Umoja—Anthem of Unity opens with a powerful message of connection, followed by the Montana premiere of Jennifer Higdon’s luminous Cello Concerto, performed by Bozeman favorite Julian Schwarz. Dvořák’s dramatic Seventh Symphony brings the program to a sweeping and passionate close. Learn more!
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Spirits of the Land
January 23 + 24, 2027 // Willson Auditorium
Inspired by land, legend, and spirit, this program featuring our Principal Bassoonist Nicholas Ober brings ancient stories to life through sound. Gabriela Ortiz’s Kauyumari and Jerod Impichchaachaaha’ Tate’s Ghost of the White Deer draw on Indigenous mythology and the natural world. Brahms’ lyrical Third Symphony, described by Norman as “the perfect winter symphony,” brings us soundly home. Learn more!
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Elements in Motion: Pipa & the Sea
February 13 + 14, 2027 // Willson Auditorium
Featuring internationally acclaimed pipa virtuoso Gao Hong, this concert shines a spotlight on the expressive beauty of the pipa, the ancient Chinese lute. The concert journeys through Chen’s Wu Xing, Dun’s dynamic Pipa Concerto, and Hong’s Yue Xing, and culminates with the shimmering power of Debussy’s La Mer. Learn more!
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Northern Lights: Carrie Plays Sibelius
March 20 + 21, 2027 // Willson Auditorium
From operatic magic to virtuosic intensity and symphonic optimism, this program shines with energy and contrast. Mozart’s enchanting The Magic Flute Overture opens the evening, followed by Finnish composer Sibelius’ fierce and lyrical Violin Concerto performed by our Concertmaster Carrie Krause. The concert comes to a joyful close with Beethoven’s exuberant Second Symphony. Learn more!
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American Trails with Edgar Meyer
April 23 - 25, 2027 // Willson Auditorium
This vibrant program celebrates the many voices of America, headlined by virtuoso bassist and composer Edgar Meyer. The wide-open spirit of the frontier comes alive in Aaron Copland’s Rodeo, while the jazz-infused sparkle of George Gershwin’s An American in Paris brings the energy of a bustling city to the concert hall. At the heart of the program, Meyer takes center stage in two dazzling double bass concertos that seamlessly blend classical tradition with Appalachian and bluegrass influences. Learn more!
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Verdi's Requiem
May 15 + 16, 2027 // Willson Auditorium
Both sacred and operatic in scope, Verdi’s monumental Requiem unfolds with breathtaking intensity and transcendent beauty. Brought to life by acclaimed soloists, chorus, and orchestra, this unforgettable performance features four extraordinary vocalists of the opera stage. Learn more!
