Not to be deterred by the pandemic, the Missoula Symphony Orchestra and Chorale offer an opportunity to enjoy the annual Holiday Pops concert Dec. 11 and 13 from the comfort and safety of home. The Missoula Symphony Association has teamed up with Montana PBS to provide streamed performances of the 2020-’21 concert season, including the annual holiday treat, under the baton of new music director Julia Tai.
After a nearly two-year search for a new music director, Tai was selected this fall and began working for the Missoula Symphony officially on Nov. 1.
Enjoy seasonal favorites from Jingle Bells to Sleigh Ride, performed by the Missoula Symphony Woodwind Quintet, Brass Quintet, Percussion Ensemble, Chamber Orchestra and String Orchestra. Other special appearances include students of the Montana Suzuki Institute’s MizZuki Ensemble as well as a special performance by the Missoula Symphony Virtual Choir, led by Dean Peterson.
This season, the MSO has partnered with Montana PBS to create lavish productions of virtual concerts. The season highlights small ensembles of musicians, who perform while socially distanced and wearing masks in order to keep musicians, staff and the filming crew safe during production.
This year’s Holiday Pops concert will be streamed virtually at stream.missoulasymphony.org. Don’t miss the two showings of Holiday Pops, 7:30 p.m. Dec. 11 and 3 p.m. Dec. 13.
Buy tickets at missoulasymphony.org or call 406-721-3194.
About Julia Tai
Praised by the Seattle Times as “poised yet passionate,” the Missoula Symphony’s new music director Julia Tai is considered one of today’s most dynamic young conductors on the international stage. In addition to her work with the MSO, she is also music director of Philharmonia Northwest, and the co-artistic director of the Seattle Modern Orchestra.
Born in Taipei, Taiwan, Tai began her violin studies at age 4 and piano at 8. She received her bachelor’s and master’s of music degrees from the University of Southern California Thornton School of Music, where she was awarded “Outstanding Graduate” in 2004. She holds a Doctor of Musical Arts degree in orchestral conducting from the University of Washington.
During her career, she’s established a reputation for creative programming and community partnerships. She also has earned a reputation for elevating the artistic output of orchestras she serves, for commissioning new works by renowned composers, and for serving diverse communities.