Dolce Canto joins forces with String Orchestra of the Rockies in two different weekend concerts.
Dolce Canto, Missoula’s premier chorus, presents a special collaboration with The String Orchestra of the Rockies Nov. 16-17.
Dolce Canto, led by artistic director Dr. David Edmonds, presents the concert “Pacem: Music of Struggle and Reconciliation” at 7 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 16, in the Music Recital Hall on the University of Montana Missoula campus. Pianist Anne Bashor, organist Nancy Cooper and principal members of The String Orchestra of The Rockies are special guests for this choral concert, which explores the music of struggle, loss, and ultimately, of peace and reconciliation.
The roles reverse at 4 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 17, when Dolce Canto singers are the special guest ensemble for the String Orchestra of the Rockies’ 40th anniversary season concert, also at the UM Music Recital Hall.
This time around, the two treasured musical institutions join forces in the powerfully moving Dona Nobis Pacem by Peteris Vasks, led by Dr. Edmonds.
Also on the String Orchestra’s program is Lieberman’s charming string arrangement of Luigi Cherubini’s operatic third quartet, along with some extra surprises.
These are two different concerts celebrating the return to the collaboration of these premier music organizations. The groups have collaborated before, including in a world premiere of a commissioned work, “Dreamsong” by Norwegian composer Ola Gjeilo, in a 2013 concert with the composer at the keyboard.
The 2024 Dolce Canto choir features 30 voices of singers from around the region. More than a dozen singers are voice teachers, choral directors and professional musicians.
The choir’s new director, David Edmonds, was hired in 2023 after a nationwide search. He serves as director of Choral Studies at the University of New Mexico, and spent six years as director of Choral Activities at the University of Montana.
“I have long been an admirer of the exceptional artistic work achieved by the singers of Dolce Canto and am extremely excited to be working with such an outstanding music organization,” he wrote about his engagement with the group.
The String Orchestra of the Rockies, now in its 40th season, draws 15 of the finest string players from the state of Montana and features world-class soloists in a four-concert season at UM. Musicians rehearse in a collaborative effort that enables each player to have an impact on the artistic process. Performing without a conductor, they rely upon the individual expertise of the musicians to create a cohesive, dynamic sound.
Tickets to Saturday’s performance are available now through dolcecanto.org. For tickets to Sunday’s concert, visit SORMT.org.