How is it that a relatively small and somewhat out-of-the-way community receives national attention for its symphony, ballet, and opera? Those who visit Bozeman for the first time are usually overwhelmed and astounded by the arts and culture options that exist in our size community, but even more intriguing than their existence is the level of performance and elements of expertise usually reserved for large metro communities.
I have several thoughts on the "How." First, Bozeman has long attracted a very cultured and educated population. Those who have lived in other communities and enjoyed the visual and performing arts assumed that when they moved to Montana they would leave it all behind. To their surprise and delight, they were able to pick up where they left off, continuing to play in the symphony, sing in the symphonic choir, act in a local production, or attend an opera. Secondly, the strength of the College of Arts & Architecture, School of Film and Photography, and School of Music at Montana State University nurtures and produces outstanding young musicians and boasts a stellar group of professors and instructors. But it goes even deeper. Music and art are at the core of our public schools, with a strong emphasis that every student will have an opportunity to learn to play an instrument.
But "Why?" With a community of highly-trained and transplanted artists and musicians, from professional to amateur, why do we as a society value and treasure arts and culture to the extent we do? I believe that we have also trained a community of "patrons" who follow, admire, and support the arts. Nothing happens by accident, as with each of the organizations listed below, someone had a dream or vision and was able to articulate it to others, gain followers, inspire volunteers, and obtain financial support. Let's take a look at a few success stories.
The Bozeman Symphony Orchestra and Symphonic Choir is currently in its 45th concert season and brings a diversity of classical music to Bozeman. Under the direction of Maestro Matthew Savery, in his nineteenth season as Music Director, the symphony performs at a level of musicality and technical intricacy that delights and amazes loyal audiences. Savery has also established innovative family and children's concerts and an active commissioning program, bringing new works to Bozeman. This season includes a "first ever" New Year’s Eve Gala celebration party and performance.
The Montana Ballet Company was founded in 1984 by the late Ann Bates with the mission to “present the highest caliber performances, to offer the finest quality dance training, and to enrich the minds and spirits of our community of dancers and audience members alike”. The art of fine dance can be enjoyed in the form of live professional performances throughout the year, and the MBC Academy both trains dancers and exposes children to dance via the Educational Outreach program.
The Intermountain Opera Association has been bringing professional opera to Bozeman since Verdi’s La Traviata in 1979. Again it all started with one person and a big idea. Verity Bostick, an assistant professor of music at MSU, wanted to start a Montana-based Opera Company. She sparked the interest of a well-known New York opera producer, Anthony Stivanello, who agreed to donate sets and costumes and his services to the production. She also persuaded Metropolitan Opera star Pablo Elvira, who lived in Bozeman, to share his talents. The opera thrived with the leadership of Mrs. Robert W. Martin, Jr. who became president of the Association. Under her guidance, benefactor, and patron programs and ticket organization systems were successfully initiated. Don’t miss the 2013 season opener of Romeo and Juliet, May 8-12, 2013.
The Sweet Pea Festival, which is a three-day event always held on the first weekend in August, has been celebrating its mission of “promoting and cultivating the arts” for over 30 years. Bozeman was once known as the "Sweet Pea capital of the nation" because of the prolific pea crop. Local business owners began a "Sweet Pea Carnival" that included a parade and queen contest, which lasted from 1906 to 1916. In 1977, the "Sweet Pea" concept was revived as an arts festival rather than a harvest celebration and is one of the largest festivals in Montana.
Jazz Montana began in 1992 and has “committed itself to increasing its educational support for young musicians and the student population at large” while also bringing top jazz performers to the area for annual performances. The organization awards scholarships to gifted local music students, as well as sponsors clinics and performances.
Let's also take a look at the diverse venues available for performance. The Ellen Theatre, in historic downtown Bozeman with a seating capacity of 450, was restored by Montana TheatreWorks and generous patrons in 2008 to host “great musical theatre, plays, community events, local performers and world-renowned talent”. MTW, under the leadership of executive director John Ludin and musical director Mary Jo Ludin, has been entertaining Bozeman since 1995 with outstanding and innovative plays and musicals. Other local theatre groups include the Equinox Theatre Company with 18 seasons of creating “offbeat, though-provoking, heart-inspiring theater”, and The Vigilante Theatre Company which hopes to “stimulate and provoke interest in theatre,… to advance the culture of the West in drama, and to bring theatre to areas of the West which lack adequate opportunities to enjoy live performances.”
The Bozeman Schools Foundation is currently facilitating a $2.5 million capital campaign to revitalize the historically significant 1100-seat Willson Auditorium with the goal to benefit local students and community performing arts groups alike. Willson is the current “home” for the symphony, opera, and ballet. Just down the street is the Emerson Center for Arts and Culture which promotes art education throughout the historic building with studios, galleries, dining, meeting and reception space, and the 465-seat Crawford Theater.
The Shane Lalani Center for the Arts, located in Livingston, is “dedicated to fostering creativity and building community through various arts programming, classes, and events”. Starting in January 2010, the facility has undergone an amazing transformation with the final phase nearly completed. The building includes a 165-seat auditorium, ballroom, rehearsal hall, studios, dance facilities, offices, classrooms, and meeting spaces. Events include community theatre productions and Young Actors’ Workshops. Since 1964, the Blue Slipper Theatre has brought traditional community theatre to Livingston and currently produces four or five productions each season, including comedy, music, and dramatic flair.
The Warren Miller Performing Arts Center in Big Sky is in the process of being transformed from Ophir School’s old gymnasium to a performance space that will comfortably seat 280 people. There is an orchestra pit, stage, community space, and technology-enhanced lighting and sound. Thus far, approximately $1.2 million has been pledged and/or donated to the project.
I have run out of space, but no inspiration. Make a New Year's resolution to see a local performance, thank an artist, and consider a gift of your time or money to one of these truly fine organizations. Have a culturally blessed 2013.
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