Seattle guest soloist joins symphony

The concert hall will resound with masterworks from the early 1800s as the Glacier Symphony presents Ludwig van Beethoven's powerful "Symphony No. 5 in C Minor" in one Kalispell performance on Nov. 21.

The concert, "Beethoven and the Bassoon," begins at 3 p.m. in the Flathead High School auditorium. It will also feature guest soloist Seth Krimsky, principal bassoonist with the Seattle Symphony, in a performance of German composer Carl Maria von Weber's "Concerto for Bassoon and Orchestra in F Major."

The program will be complete with the ever-popular "Overture to William Tell" by 19th-century Italian opera composer Rossini.

"Beethoven's opening theme of his fifth symphony is almost synonymous with classical music itself," music director and conductor John Zoltek said.

Zoltek says there are good reasons why this work remains important to the repertoire to this day.

"This is one of the most thoroughly composed symphonies penned by Beethoven and we will endeavor to highlight the greatness of this work that essentially defines Beethoven and his musical impact for many people.

Of the concert repertoire Zoltek says that although the bassoon is not often heard in a soloist role there are a number of very fine concertos that feature this instrument written by Mozart, Haydn, Vivaldi and others.

"Seth Krimsky's musicianship is of the highest caliber," Zoltek said. "He will bring his expertise, masterful sound and engaging performance style to this wonderfully lyrical and audience-pleasing music."

Weber, like the Italian composer Rossini, was a contemporary of Beethoven and an important and influential composer of German opera. His concert music reflects the lyrical and dramatic elements of this compositional style.

Zoltek adds that Rossini was an extremely successful opera composer whose lively opera overtures remain wonderful concert pieces in today's concert repertoire. The last section of the "William Tell Overture" is well known to American audiences as the theme from the "Lone Ranger."

The overture is a dramatic piece that illustrates the main ideas of the legend of William Tell, the Swiss hero who shot an apple off the head of his son with an arrow in defiance of the ruling Austrian Hapsburgs. The story surrounding the piece will be introduced by a symphony musician who is a native of Switzerland.

For those wanting to know more about the music, Zoltek will discuss the details of this program during a 30-minute concert talk before the concert at 2:15 p.m. Audience members of all ages are welcome to attend.

Because the Glacier Symphony has been invited to play in Libby on Saturday night, only one performance of the concert will be held in Kalispell.

Libby's concert is sponsored in part by a grant called "Building Arts Partnerships" funded by the Wallace Foundation in conjunction with the Montana Arts Council. For information on the concert contact June McMahon at (406) 295-7203.

All Glacier Symphony and Chorale season ticket holders will be attending Sunday's concert, so general seating will be limited. Early purchase of single tickets is recommended. They are available at $20 for adults, $15 for seniors and $9 for students at the following outlets: Books West in Kalispell; The Village Shop, Dwyer's Gallery and the downtown Montana Coffee Traders in Whitefish; Glacier Wallflower in Columbia Falls; ArtFusion in Bigfork; and Sliter's Ace Hardware in Lakeside; or at the door.

Call 257-3241 or visit www.glaciersymphonychorale.org for more information.