Glacier Symphony plans first concert of season

Glacier Symphony and Chorale launches its “Rollin’ with Beethoven” 30th Season Oct. 13 and 14 with “Beethoven Triple Concerto,” the first of five Masterworks concerts that will feature the music of Ludwig van Beethoven.

“In many ways Beethoven’s music was the catalyst that launched the modern Romantic ideal of music that is prevalent in our symphonic repertoire, with its emphasis on emotion, human dynamism and the individual artistic musical statement,” said Music Director John Zoltek. “Emphasizing Beethoven’s music is the starting point for what we believe promises to be a great season of performances appropriately celebrating our 30th season.”

Zoltek will lead the Glacier Symphony, opening with Beethoven’s “King Stephen Overture,” followed by “Concerto for Violin, Cello and Piano in C Major” featuring Trio 21.

Trio 21, based in New York City, is one of the world's leading interpreters of the standard works for piano trio, with an added focus on works of 20th century and contemporary composers of various genres. Pianist Jeffrey Biegel brought together Kinga Augustyn, violin, and Robert deMaine, cello, for their opening season in 2011.

The concerto the trio will perform is unique among all the Beethoven concerti, not only for its number of soloists but also for its restrained and expressive, almost “gallant” style.

“The piece is poetic and lyrical and includes the final movement ‘Polonaise,’ a Polish noble dance rhythm, a tip of the hat to the elegant aristocratic milieu of turn-of-the-century Vienna,” Zoltek explained.

Jean Sibelius’ “Symphony No. 5 in E flat Major” will complete the concert. The work is considered to be one of Sibelius’ greatest achievements in the symphonic form. It was commissioned by the Finnish government and composed to celebrate Sibelius’ 50th birthday in 1915.

“Sibelius’ ‘Fifth Symphony’ is at once heroic, contemplative and expansive, reflecting the atmosphere of the natural landscape of Finland ... a very evocative work,” Zoltek said.

Both concerts take place in the Flathead High School auditorium. The Oct. 13 concert starts at 7:30 p.m., and the Oct. 14 show is at 3 p.m.

The free Symphony Express Bus will leave the Whitefish Mountain Mall for the Kalispell concert at 6:15 p.m. Oct. 13. It will arrive in time for Zoltek’s pre-performance concert talk at 6:45 p.m. Call the symphony office to reserve a seat.

Single tickets for the concert range from $10 to $32. Ticket packages are available for Masterworks series concerts or for just the Whitefish concerts.

A special discount package, “First Timers Half Off,” is also available for new subscribers to the Glacier Symphony and Chorale.

In keeping with the music organization’s mission of making music affordable, all youths through grade 12 are admitted free to Masterwork concerts.

To learn more about the concerts, guest artists and concert venues, visit gscmusic.org or call 257-3241.