Featured Article:
Billings Symphony Orchestra & Chorale
June 1, 2022
The Billings Symphony’s 72nd season celebrates the music of the past while looking to the future of classical music. From exceptional guest artists to living composers to masterworks known around the world, the 2022–2023 season has something for everyone. “The 72nd season of the Billings Symphony brings an incredible opportunity to expand our musical offerings and community engagement programs in the Billings area and beyond,” says Executive Director Ignacio Barrón Viela.
Last season, the Billings Symphony presented 25 performances—doubling the number of concerts presented in a pre-pandemic season. This season, the organization brings 30 performances and special events to 13 venues across Billings, in addition to the more than 100 community engagement and educational outreach events planned by the organization.
“We live our mission by bringing people together around music, but also around our community’s priorities,” says Barrón Viela. “The role of music is beyond generating sales and entertaining. We are here to help make our community a better place, and this season goes beyond the theater. It is relevant to the people who live here. Our role is to keep inspiring, sharing and healing through music experiences.”
The 2022–2023 season, under the direction of Maestra Anne Harrigan, brings musicians from around the world to Billings, offering vibrant music that sparks connections and conversations. New compositions are brought to the stage by living composers who are reshaping and reimagining the world of symphonic orchestras.
Harrigan, who celebrates her 18th year with the Billings Symphony, describes this upcoming season as a prolific and dynamic collection of music, showcasing not only the skill of the orchestra players, but the robust offerings of the growing organization.
“We have an exciting and mixed program of classical favorites and new works. Music lovers will appreciate the diversity, but you don’t need to know this music to be energized by the programs and the collaborative work that is going on behind the scenes.”
The Classic Series, sponsored by The Oakland Companies, brings a collection of masterworks, ballet, and even a concert musical to the stage. The Classic Full Season includes eight concerts and is complemented by the Sukin Series. Sponsored by Sibanye Stillwater, the seven concerts of the Sukin Series focus on international artists, chamber groups and small ensembles. The series is named after the Sukin family, who generously donated the building where the Billings Symphony is headquartered on the corner of Second Avenue North and North 29th.
With family-oriented programming that is accessible to all, the Billings Symphony is also bringing a new generation of music lovers to the symphony. This season, the Billings Symphony presents a free family series, sponsored by Kampgrounds of America. Free family concerts and the annual Symphony in the Park help ensure that all community members can enjoy symphonic music regardless of ability to pay.
The organization also partners with the Billings Youth Orchestra to offer two donation based concerts and expand its educational and family offerings to several free events, including Adventures in Music! at Billings Public Library and M is for Music, hosted at Lincoln Center Auditorium.
As a multivenue organization, the Billings Symphony presents programs in locations across the city, including the Alberta Bair Theater, Babcock Theatre, Lincoln Center Auditorium, Lockwood Performing Arts Center, Faith Chapel, the Billings Public Library, Billings Depot, and Billings’ newest venue, Red Oxx Events Lawn, among others.
Subscription packages and subscription renewals begin on Saturday, April 23. Renewing subscribers receive their same seat from the previous season, and new subscribers or those wishing to change seats have pick of available seats or can request a tier reservation and pick of seats when holds expire on June 13. Single tickets go on sale on July 9. Subscribers can save up to 67% off single ticket pricing, and half-priced tickets for students and community members under age 30 are available, as well as group rates and discounts for veterans and active-duty military. Visit billingssymphony.org or call (406) 252-3610 for details.
View BSOC 2022-2023 season event line up here