Glacier Symphony season lifts off with Ascension

Orchestra performs works from three centuries Oct. 30-31 in season opener

On Stage

The Glacier Symphony kicks off its 39th season Oct. 30-31 with Ascension, featuring music from the 19th-21st centuries.

Maestro John Zoltek celebrates his 25th anniversary at the helm of the Glacier Symphony and Chorale.
Maestro John Zoltek celebrates his 25th anniversary at the helm of the Glacier Symphony and Chorale.Photo © Glacier Symphony & Chorale

Once again, the Glacier Symphony brings excellence in classical music to the Flathead Valley with this initial MasterWorks concert. The opening composition celebrates the 25th anniversary of Maestro John Zoltek as music director and conductor of the Glacier Symphony and Chorale. The orchestra will perform his dynamic symphonic poem, Processional, one of many Zoltek pieces to be featured in this 39th season.

“We hope to see everyone join us for this return to a live concert season,” says Zoltek. “I am thrilled to be celebrating this anniversary season with an organization and musicians whom I have been privileged to work with for so many years.”

In a nod to the 20th century, Russian-American violinist Yevgeny Kutik joins the Glacier Symphony Orchestra for a performance of a violin masterpiece by Russian composer Alexander Glazunov. Hailed for his dazzling command of the violin and its repertoire, as well as a communicative immediacy that harkens back to the legendary Romantic masters, Kutik has become a highly sought-after artist on the concert stage worldwide. Popular with Northwest Montana audiences, Kutik has appeared twice with the GSC during past seasons of Festival Amadeus.

Although Glazunov’s Violin Concerto in A minor is not widely programmed today, it is considered one of the more virtuosic works for the instrument written in the early 20th century. This is a rare opportunity for audiences to experience this tour de force work live in the hands of a consummate artist.

And finally, the 19th century offering on the program is Johannes Brahms’ elegant Symphony No. 2 in D Major. Often referred to as the composer’s “Pastoral Symphony,” this delightful and popular work is singular in its “lighthearted” mood among Brahms’ symphonic repertoire.

The performances will take place at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 30, and 3 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 31 at the Flathead High School Performance Hall in Kalispell.

All patrons and individuals are strongly encouraged to wear facial coverings in all areas.

Tickets and information are available by calling the box office at 406-407-7000 or visiting the website. Students in grades K-12 may call the box office and receive select complimentary seats thanks to the generous support of our Youth Music Experience sponsors.