Bozeman Symphony Orchestra and Symphonic Choir History

In the 2024-25 season, the Bozeman Symphony proudly celebrates its 57th year of delivering extraordinary live music to the Gallatin Valley and beyond.

Founded in 1968, the Bozeman Symphony Society emerged from the earlier Montana State University Symphony Orchestra, establishing itself as a collaborative community orchestra for the people of the Gallatin Valley. An integral part of the valley, the Bozeman community has grown and changed, and so has the Bozeman Symphony. Today, the Symphony enjoys a strong partnership with the School of Music at MSU, with both institutions sharing resources to foster musical growth and development.

Bozeman Symphony on the stage of The Ellen Theatre, early 1970s.

Image from Collection 2379, Bozeman Symphony records, Merrill G. Burlingame Special Collections, Montana State University Library

The Symphony’s inaugural season, which featured four concerts, was met with enthusiastic success, drawing a total audience of 2,500 people. Since its inception, the Bozeman Symphony Society has been guided by an elected board of directors. This board oversees the music director and executive director, sets policies, and seeks financial support to present live symphonic music throughout the region. The founding board members recognized the potential of the Symphony, highlighting the talent of the passionate musicians and staff within the organization.

In a noteworthy moment during the Symphony’s third season, Mayor Don Langohr, Jr., declared “Symphony Week,” praising the organization for its role in enriching the cultural life of the Bozeman area.

In 1972, with Symphony Society Board of Directors President Col. Lavern Hutchins and Society Corresponding Secretary Barbara Ruth Agocs, MSU art major Jim Doyle displays a symbol he designed for the Bozeman Symphony Society.

As we celebrate the Symphony’s impact over the years, we reflect on a legacy marked by musical excellence and community involvement. The Bozeman Symphony Orchestra continues to play a vital role in enhancing the cultural landscape of our region, inspiring future generations, and highlighting the profound influence of music in our lives.

Milestones

  • 1968

    The Bozeman Symphony was founded. Creech Reynolds was the founding Music Director of the Symphony and Lowell Hickman led the Symphonic Choir.

  • 1968

    The first concert was on November 24, 1968, at The Ellen Theatre, with special guest, Jan Peerce, a Tenor soloist. The Ellen Theatre would continue to be the performance home of the Symphony until 1984.

  • 1982

    Creech Reynolds, Karl Overby, Lowell Hickman, and Alan Leech rotated the role of Music Director.

  • 1983

    Karl Overby, Lowell Hickman, and Alan Leech rotated the role of Music Director.

  • 1984

    Willson Auditorium became the official performance hall.

  • 1985

    Lowell Hickman was named Music Director.

  • 1986

    Bill Roast was named Music Director.

  • 1990

    Elizabeth Sellers was named conductor. She was the first non-Montana State University faculty member to direct the Symphony and the first female symphony director in Montana.

  • 1992

    The Far Afield program was established, taking Bozeman Symphony chamber ensembles to rural communities, and presenting free performances.

  • 1993

    The first Fourth Grade Concert was presented, filling the Willson Auditorium with 800 students representing 13 schools from Bozeman, Livingston, Gardiner, and Mammoth Hot Springs to see and hear live symphonic music.

  • 1994

    Matthew Savory was named Music Director.

  • 1998

    The New York Times identifies the Symphony and culture in Bozeman. Marco Ferro was named Symphonic Choir Director.

  • 2002

    For the first time, the season was sold-out so second performances were added to each concert weekend. The Family Dress Rehearsal Pass and Rush tickets were introduced.

  • 2008

    Russell Milburn and Gary Hammond both led the Symphonic Choir.

  • 2011

    Jon Harney was named Symphonic Choir Director.

  • 2019

    The Symphony launched a search for a new Music Director. Candidates were Stefan Sanders, Andrew Crust, Norman Huynh, Wesley Schulz, and Thomas Heuser, and they rotated through the season.

  • 2020

    Norman Huynh was named the new Music Director. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the regular orchestra season was canceled. New programming was adapted during this time and included live-streamed concerts with strings and soloists; “Ranch Around” concerts in outdoor venues; and the “Current Commotion” series to feature new music.

  • 2022

    For the first time, a third performance was added to a concert series. Ryan Tani was named Symphonic Choir Director.

  • 2023

    A fourth performance was added to a concert for the first time. Dr. Maren Haynes Marchesini, the second woman to hold an artistic leadership role with the Symphony, became the Interim Symphonic Choir Director.

  • 2024

    Expanded education and community engagement programs were launched, including Symphony Storytime in partnership with the Bozeman Public Library, Montana Shakespeare in the Parks, and Human Resources Development Council Head Start. Maestro Huynh signed a contract to conduct the Symphony for another five years. The Symphony’s first five-year strategic growth plan was announced.