OUR HISTORY
About: The Bozeman Symphony Society presents a repertoire of symphonic and choral music performed for the benefit of individuals, students, and musicians residing in south-central Montana. Performances and events include a series of classical subscription concerts, performances aimed at engaging and attracting new audiences under the umbrella of “Bozeman Symphony Presents,” Current Commotion – an experimental music series that allows the Bozeman Symphony to be on the cutting edge of our industry, and a strong desire to launch a summertime music festival. The Bozeman Symphony has experienced tremendous growth over the last twenty years. In addition to a wide variety of orchestral programming, the Bozeman Symphony supports Far Afield, a highly accessible community outreach program, awards scholarships to promising young musicians, and provides employment and engagement opportunities for over 300 people. The Bozeman Symphony, whose history is marked by artistic excellence, has established itself as a significant cultural icon in Montana. Its future is dependent upon maintaining a skilled and motivated orchestra whose members bring symphonic music to life.
Mission: The Bozeman Symphony is dedicated to preserving musical excellence as a living part of our community, now and for future generations, through live performance, education and community partnerships, while maintaining a vigilant devotion to artistic and fiscal integrity.
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Early History:
In her book Bozeman and the Gallatin Valley, author Phyllis Smith shares the beginning of the Bozeman Symphony and their first performance in 1910 at the Gem Theater. Following performances at the Gem Theater, the Symphony would perform at the Ellen Theatre of which, today’s Gallatin Valley residents, are much more familiar. Present Day: The present version of the Bozeman Symphony was established on January 11th, 1968 as an outgrowth of the earlier Montana State University Symphony Orchestra. This outgrowth was driven by the need to fulfill a collaborative community orchestra felt by numerous performers and audience members. A Symphony organization, independent of Montana State University, would allow flexibility in scheduling and fundraising, and would encourage participation from the greater Bozeman community. The Symphony was formed as a supporting group for both the Orchestra and Symphonic Choir. Today, close community ties are still maintained to MSU through the participation of faculty and students, as well as cooperation with rehearsal space, sharing music resources, and some limited instrument usage. Since the institution of the Society in 1968, the organization has been managed by an elected board of directors who oversee the Music Director and Executive Director, establish policy, accomplishes planning, and seeks financial support for presenting live symphonic music in the Gallatin Valley and south-central Montana. Founding board members announced the incorporation stating “Many of the people in the community are unaware of the competence of the musical groups that will be the nucleus of the community Symphony.” The first season presenting four concerts was an outstanding success with a total concert attendance of 2,500 people. At the beginning of the Symphony’s third concert season Mayor Don Langohr, Jr. proclaimed “Symphony Week” saying the organization “provided an enrichment of the cultural life of the Bozeman Area.” |
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