Masters of Melody Soloists
Masters of Melody arrives with confidence, color, and purpose. The Bozeman Symphony invites audiences to experience an evening shaped by three iconic Classical voices: Mozart, Copland, and Haydn. This concert blends elegance, lyricism, and bold virtuosity into one compelling musical journey. The performances will spotlight the Symphony’s principal clarinetist and acclaimed horn section.
The Bozeman Symphony Classical Series welcomes longtime patrons and first time listeners alike. Performances take place at the Willson Auditorium on Saturday, January 24, at 7:30 p.m., and Sunday, January 25, at 2:30 p.m. The setting is warm, intimate, and acoustically rich.
The program opens with Mozart’s Symphony No. 38, one of his final orchestral masterpieces. It begins with a commanding slow introduction that immediately draws the listener in. The music then breaks into a spirited main theme, bright and full of motion. Echoes of The Magic Flute emerge with charm and wit. A reflective middle movement creates space to breathe and listen closely. The joyful finale closes the work with clarity, balance, and confidence.
Next comes Aaron Copland’s Clarinet Concerto, a piece rich with contrast and character. Commissioned by jazz legend Benny Goodman, the work bridges classical tradition and American jazz spirit. The opening melody feels expansive and lyrical, floating with warmth and ease. The mood then shifts dramatically. Jazz rhythms snap into focus. Glissandos slide freely. Blues inflections sparkle with personality and flair. Principal clarinetist Wendy Bickford delivers the solo line with precision, energy, and expressive freedom.
The concert concludes with the Concerto for Two Horns and Orchestra, attributed to Haydn. This landmark brass work celebrates virtuosity and collaboration. Exhilarating runs demand agility and breath control. Elegant melodies sing with poise and brightness. The dialogue between soloists and orchestra feels playful and alive. Principal horn Madeleine Folkerts and associate principal horn Elizabeth Schmidt shine with balance, confidence, and musical chemistry.
These performances are made possible through generous community support. Sponsors help sustain artistic excellence and access to live music in Bozeman. When you attend, you support musicians, tradition, and shared cultural experiences. Masters of Melody is more than a concert. It is an invitation to listen deeply and connect through sound.