Description:

Prepare for an evening of musical brilliance with a program that explores themes of unity, resilience, and triumph. We begin with Valerie Coleman’s Umoja - Anthem of Unity, a powerful orchestral work that has rapidly become one of the most celebrated pieces of our time. "Umoja," the Swahili word for unity, is an evocative call for togetherness, using a call-and-response form to summon the "children of all" to "hear the winds call" for unity. Coleman's music, highlighted as one of the "Top 35 Women Composers" by The Washington Post, resonates with a message of hope and solidarity.

The evening continues with Tim Fain's Edge of a Dream, a piece composed during the pandemic that reflects the enduring hope and resilience of the human spirit. Fain, praised by the Los Angeles Times for his "engrossing musicality of an old-school virtuoso tied to a contemporary sensibility," will perform his own composition, bringing an intimate understanding and profound emotion to the piece. This performance is sure to captivate and move audiences with its poignant beauty.

The concert culminates in the majestic Symphony No. 1 by Johannes Brahms. Often referred to as "Beethoven’s Tenth" due to its grandeur and depth, this symphony is a monumental work that solidified Brahms' place among the greatest composers. The powerful themes and rich orchestration of this symphony will leave you inspired and uplifted. Join us for a night of extraordinary music that promises to be an unforgettable journey through hope, unity, and triumph.

Concert Week Schedule of Events

Wednesday, October 30th - Library Concert Series, 4:30-5:30pm, Missoula Public Library

In collaboration with the Missoula Public Library, Music Director Julia Tai presents FREE Mini-Concerts in the Imaginarium. Created with pre-school and elementary-aged audiences in mind, the series features Symphony musicians and instrument demonstrations! This mini-concert will feature a string quartet.

Friday, November 1st - UM Masterclass with Tim Fain, 12pm - 1:30pm, UM Dennison Theatre

Open to the public. Join us as guest artist Tim Fain works with talented University of Montana violin students. Featuring works by Bach, Beethoven and Saint-Saëns.

Sponsored by Williams Law Firm

Friday, November 1st - Student Night @Dress Rehearsal, 7pm - 10pm, UM Dennison Theatre

Students and families are invited to join us for the dress rehearsal preceding each Masterworks Concert. While following along with educational materials, they can watch the Missoula Symphony Orchestra & Chorale rehearse in final preparation for the concert weekend. This event is FREE for students and their families.

Sponsored by Bill & Rosemary Gallagher Foundation

Saturday, November 2nd, 6:30pm & Sunday, November 3rd, 2pm - Downbeat Lowdown Pre-Concert talk

Join us for a free, pre-concert talk before each of our Masterworks concerts with Music Director Julia Tai. These informative conversations, which provide interesting facts about the concert you're about to hear, begin at 6:30 p.m. for our Saturday concert and 2:00 p.m. for our Sunday matinee. Downbeat Lowdown conversations are held at the Music Recital Hall in the Music Building north of the Dennison Theatre.

Sponsored by NorthWestern Energy

Program:

VALERIE COLEMAN Umoja - Anthem of Unity - listen here

TIM FAIN Edge of a Dream - listen here

JOHANNES BRAHMS Symphony No. 1 op. 68, C minor - listen here

Program Notes:

VALERIE COLEMAN Umoja - Anthem of Unity 

TIM FAIN Edge of a Dream 

JOHANNES BRAHMS Symphony No. 1 op. 68, C minor 

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