The Bozeman Symphony launches its “Ode to Joy” campaign starting on Valentine’s Day, February 14, 2021. The Symphony Board of Directors has pledged $75,000 to encourage members of this thriving arts community to share the joy of orchestral music by supporting the Bozeman Symphony. For every dollar donated, Board members will match what the organization raises up to $75,000 for a total of a $150,000 goal to continue the success of this long-standing beacon of the arts.

Throughout this global pandemic, one thing is clear to Board of Directors Chair Stephen Schachman, the arts are a powerful healer in dark times. “This past year has been a huge challenge for so many but has forced us to reevaluate what matters and what we take for granted,” said Schachman. “The importance of the arts and the joy they bring to our daily lives has never been clearer to me.”

Despite the challenges of this past year, the Bozeman Symphony continues to keep symphonic music alive in the community. Since his appointment in June 2020, Music Director Norman Huynh has conducted two sold-out Ranch Around concerts, hosted three free livestream concerts, and hired the organization’s first-ever Composer-in-Residence Scott Lee. Altogether, the Bozeman Symphony has brought the joy of music to more than 10,000 households this season with their free livestream concerts and video premieres.

“I am grateful to the team at the Bozeman Symphony Orchestra and Symphonic Choir for their continued creativity to bring live symphonic music virtually to us in the safety of our homes,” said Schachman. ‘“These moments of reflection and connection have brightened the ‘stay-at-home’ experience and bring joy to so many during these difficult times.”’

Looking forward, the Symphony plans to continue its mission to provide high-quality live musical performances to the community featuring the talented musicians of the Bozeman Symphony Orchestra and Symphonic Choir. Music Director Norman Huynh plans to expand the symphony’s season subscription concert offerings, connect to the community through virtual and in-person events, and grow the organization’s Far Afield education outreach program.

“Even if you don’t consider yourself a ‘symphony’ person, the musical programming of the Bozeman Symphony will captivate you and help you connect in its own special way,” said Schachman. “Our incredibly talented musicians will bring joy to your heart and help you take a moment to reflect on the simple pleasures.”

Help keep the joy of symphonic music alive in the community by supporting the Bozeman Symphony’s “Ode to Joy” campaign from February 14 – March 14, 2021, by donating online at bozemansymphony.org/donate. The Symphony wishes to thank David Ross and Risi for their season sponsorship and the season subscribers, donors, and patrons who have provided support this 2020 – 2021 concert season. For more information about the “Ode to Joy” campaign, please contact the Bozeman Symphony at (406) 585-9774 or info@bozemansymphony.org.

Stephen Schachman is Chair of the Bozeman Symphony Board of Directors. He is a retired senior executive who graduated from the University of Pennsylvania Wharton School of Business, Georgetown University, and Stanford University. Stephen has served as the senior executive of a natural gas distribution company, a cellular company, and wholly owned subsidiary of an international law firm. He was a Captain in the United States Marine Corps and has lived in Bozeman since 2011.