Grammy-winning violinist Midori joins the Billings Symphony
The Billings Symphony Orchestra wraps up its season with two groundbreaking performances: The symphony and chorale join forces in Gustav Mahler’s “Resurrection” April 16 and Grammy Award-winning violinist Midori performs with the orchestra April 22, both at 7:30 p.m. at the Alberta Bair Theater.
The Billings Symphony Orchestra and Chorale will be the first orchestra in America to perform this rendition of Mahler’s most successful symphony. The massive undertaking includes the chorale, two vocal soloists and the orchestra; together they take the audience through spiritual upheaval that culminates with absolution and warmth.
Guest soloists are soprano Christie Conover, a rapidly rising star described as a “jewel,” and Lisa Chavez, recently hailed for “her buttery, richly colored mezzo” by Opera News.
On April 22, the world-renowned violinist Midori performs in recital. Known for her generosity as well as her immense talent, the Japan-born artist rose to fame as a child prodigy. She has started multiple nonprofit organizations, all with the same mission, “the joy of music should be available to all,” and is an accomplished recording artist on two labels. Last year – the 32nd of her professional career – she premiered a new work by Johannes Maria Staud at the Lucerne Festival and the Vienna Konzerthaus, made two new recordings, and conducted a week-long festival at Tokyo’s Suntory Hall.
Her organization, Partners in Performance, co-presents chamber music concerts with the goal of stimulating interest in classical music in smaller communities.
Both concerts are preceded by interactive discussions with guest artists about the evening’s music and composers at 6:45 p.m. Tickets are $10-$50.
The Yellowstone Art Museum hosts Rhapsody in Blue, a special fundraiser for the Billings Symphony Orchestra and Chorale from 5:15-7:15 p.m. April 22; the event includes dinner and live music prior to the Midori recital, and a post-concert reception. Tickets are $100.
Call 252-3610 or visit billingssymphony.org.