Glacier Symphony presents ‘Scheherazade’ featuring Les Arrivants – A mesmerizing fusion of cultures and sound

Experience a night of dazzling storytelling through music as Glacier Symphony presents “Scheherazade” featuring Les Arrivants on Feb. 22 and 23 at McClaren Hall in the Wachholz College Center.  

This concert blends the evocative symphonic masterpiece “Scheherazade” by Nikolay Rimsky-Korsakov with the world music trio Les Arrivants, creating an unforgettable musical journey.  

Conducted by John Zoltek, artistic director of the Glacier Symphony, this program showcases Rimsky-Korsakov’s Scheherazade, Op. 35, a symphonic suite inspired by the legendary “One Thousand and One Nights.” The composition weaves together lush orchestration, enchanting melodies, and the mesmerizing solo violin cadenzas representing the voice of Scheherazade herself, bringing to life the captivating tales of Sinbad the Sailor, the Kalandar Prince, and the vibrant Festival in Baghdad.  

Complementing this symphonic masterpiece, Glacier Symphony is thrilled to welcome Les Arrivants, a critically acclaimed ensemble from Montreal. The trio, featuring Abdul-Wahab Kayyali on the oud, Amachai Ben Shalev on the bandoneon and Hamin Honari on percussion, masterfully blends influences from Persian classical, Arabic rhythms, and Argentine tango, creating a vibrant and cross-cultural sound. Their performance with a full symphony orchestra marks a world-premiere collaboration, featuring newly arranged works by Amichai Ben Shalev, specifically crafted for this event.  

Les Arrivants’ set will include world premiere orchestral arrangements of their acclaimed compositions: “Home,” a poignant reflection of isolation and connection, composed during the pandemic lockdown; “Shaymaa’s Dance – Waltz for Refaat,” a moving tribute honoring the late poet Refaat Al-Areer; “Bagelissimo – Mile-End Tango,” a playful fusion of Montreal’s multicultural essence with Argentine tango; “Gifts of Light,” inspired by the breathtaking sight of a summer aurora in Quebec; “Ad Matai? (For How Much Longer?),” a powerful lament against injustice, interweaving tango, klezmer and Middle Eastern influences; and “Burkaan (Volcano),” a dramatic and intense cry against global injustice, blending bold orchestral textures with virtuosic percussion.  

This collaboration has been years in the making and represents Les Arrivants’ debut performance with a full symphony orchestra, a testament to Glacier Symphony’s dedication to presenting innovative and diverse musical experiences.  

“This concert is a testament to the power of music to bridge cultures and tell timeless stories,” said Zoltek. “Rimsky-Korsakov’s ‘Scheherazade’ is one of the most cinematic and vividly orchestrated works in the classical repertoire, while Les Arrivants bring a fresh and deeply expressive voice to the stage. This program is an exciting and dynamic blend of tradition and innovation.”  

The concert will be held at 7:30 p.m. Feb. 22 and at 3 p.m. Feb. 23. The Wachholz College Center is located on the Flathead Valley Community College campus.  

Ticket pricing begins at $44 for adults and $25 for students, which includes ticket service fees. Youths 17 and under are free. Tickets may be purchased online at www.glaciersymphony.org or by calling 407-7000.  

    The Glacier Symphony presents “Scheherazade” featuring Les Arrivants Feb. 22 and 23 at McClaren Hall in the Wachholz College Center. (Courtesy photo)