BOZEMAN – The Bozeman Symphony Orchestra’s thrilling 2022/23 concert season kicks off on September 24 and 25 for Opening Weekend: Beethoven’s 5th Symphony & Andy Akiho. Come celebrate the start of the season with the most iconic four notes in music history during Beethoven’s awe-inspiring Symphony No. 5. Music Director Norman Huynh invites all to attend this unforgettable performance that will be the perfect start to the Bozeman Symphony’s 55th anniversary season.  

‘“Beethoven’s 5th Symphony contains arguably the most famous opening in music history, ‘Da Da Da DUMMM.’ Hearing the symphony in its entirety, the journey from dark to light, can be a transformative experience for the listener. It is a piece of music that will inspire a lifelong curiosity and passion for classical music,”’ says Huynh.  

In addition to Beethoven’s iconic master work, the Bozeman Symphony Orchestra will welcome Grammy-nominated composer Andy Akiho to the stage for his piece, Concerto for Steel Pans and Orchestra. Rarely do you find a steel pan featured with the symphony, but Akiho does it with expert precision and mesmerizing intensity. This performance will mark the Montana premiere of this dynamic and eclectic piece.  

“Andy Akiho is currently one of the world’s most in demand composers. He is a force of nature and has an incredible sense of rhythm and sound. He is equally at home as a performer and on the steel pan as his instrument of choice,” says Huynh. “The sounds created by the steel pan, along with the orchestra, is unique and our community has the opportunity to experience this rare treat.”  

Opening this performance is Jean Sibelius’ Finlandia, a triumphant chorale celebrating Finland’s independence from almost a century of heavy-handed rule by Russia. This hymn-like melody, inspired by folk tunes but invented by Sibelius, sounds quietly in the winds, and eventually becomes an impassioned cry of freedom as Finlandia comes to its triumphal conclusion.  

Join the Bozeman Symphony Orchestra and Music Director Huynh for an unforgettable start to a momentous 55thanniversary season.   

Performances will be held in person on Saturday, September 24 at 7:30 PM and Sunday, September 25 at 2:30 PM, at the Willson Auditorium (404 West Main Street), downtown Bozeman. These performances would not be possible without strong community support and sponsorship. The Symphony wishes to thank Stephen Schachman & Ritva Porter for their season sponsorship, David Ross & Risi for their Bozeman Symphony Orchestra sponsorship, and Kimberlie & Bruce Jodar, Skye Raiser & David Perlin, and Robert & Donna Ritchie for supporting this performance.  

Ticketing: Individual tickets are available for purchase online at bozemansymphony.org or by phone at 406-585-9774. Tickets at the door based on availability. Adult tickets range from $29.00-$79.00.  Student discounted tickets are available.   Please contact the Bozeman Symphony with questions you have regarding performance, ticket sales, venue, seating information, and COVID-19 safety protocols.  

Andy Akiho, steel pan – Andy Akiho is a “trailblazing” (Los Angeles Times) GRAMMY nominated composer whose bold works unravel intricate and unexpected patterns while surpassing preconceived boundaries of classical music. Known as “an increasingly in-demand composer” (The New York Times), Akiho has earned international acclaim for his large-scale works that emphasize the natural theatricality of live performance.

The 2021-2022 season features the NYC premiere of Akiho’s double GRAMMY nominated work Seven Pillars for Sandbox Percussion and the world-premiere of a new commission for Imani Winds. Equally at home writing chamber music and symphonies, Akiho is the Oregon Symphony Orchestra’s 2022-2023 composer-in-residence.