String Orchestra of the Rockies is tuning up to celebrate its 40th anniversary season
Maria Larionoff, String Orchestra of the Rockies’ artistic director and renowned violinist, is excited to spread the word about their four performances during this extra special 2024/2025 season.
“Throughout this year we’re celebrating American music and featuring American artists and composers. We launch the season on September 15 with guest soloist and legendary American and Emmy Award-winning violinist Robert McDuffie who will be performing The American Four Seasons. It’s a work written just for him in collaboration with renowned American composer Phillip Glass,” said Maria.
For the remaining concerts, the orchestra will be joined on stage by Missoula’s beloved choral ensemble, Dolce Canto, aspiring young string musicians, and veteran orchestra members that have been instrumental in shaping String Orchestra of the Rockies’ 40-year legacy. Each performance is held on Sunday afternoon starting at 4 p.m. in the Recital Hall of the University of Montana School of Music.
Maria’s own journey with String Orchestra of the Rockies began when she was hired as a guest soloist in 2015. Both she and the musicians had a wonderful experience so it was inevitable that her name came up when the orchestra was looking for an artistic director five years ago.
“I love Missoula audiences,” said Maria. “I remember the first time I played with String Orchestra of the Rockies there was so much laughter, so much energy and interest, which I found irresistible. Missoula has such a high level of appreciation of the music, arts, and culture for a town of this size.”
A truly unique aspect of String Orchestra of the Rockies is that they do not have a conductor to lead the 15 string musicians on stage which include violinists, violists, cellists, double bassists, and occasionally one harpsichordist for Baroque pieces.
“We have a collaborative process of creating music with equal democratic players,” said Maria. “It’s different from a symphony which has a conductor setting the musical tone and the musical ideas. We have 15 of those people who each have a say and out of that comes a pretty extraordinary energy.”
To play without a conductor requires a high level of preparation, which is not easy considering many musicians hail from all over the northwest and are only able to come together for practice a few days before each performance.
“You have to have what we call ‘musical radar’ which means when you’re playing together you have to aware of everyone who is playing. You have to know your part, you have to know what everyone else is doing, and you have to know the musical score because there is no conductor to rely on,” said Maria. “It takes a level of sensitivity and flexibility and fearlessness. I think that attitude of fearlessness is what makes us so successful in Montana.”
It’s a common misconception that classical music is somewhat exclusive or elitist. String Orchestra of the Rockies works to break this stereotype by keeping ticket prices at a reasonable level ranging from $35 for adults to $12 for students. Also, before each piece, the musicians take turns engaging with the audience. They talk about the composer’s background, the historical significance of the piece, and give tips on what to listen for to best appreciate the music.
“It breaks down that barrier,” said Maria. “People can be intimidated by the protocol of classical music and I get it. What do I do, what do I wear, how long is this going to be? We really try to engage the audience in both individual pieces and the performance as a whole. We understand that you might like this piece, you might hate this piece, but we help you listen to it with an open mind.”
One of the orchestra’s core values comes into play as the musicians strive to mentor high school and university students while providing opportunities for these students to join the orchestra on stage during concerts. The musicians and the board of directors have worked to expand this mentorship component over the last 40 years including offering an annual $1,000 talent scholarship to one string musician studying at the University of Montana.
If you are unable to make one of the four live performances, or are still a little intimidated at the thought of attending one, be sure to check out their Armchair Concerts on their website which allows you to watch videos of several different performances from the comfort of your home.
“If you’re at all intimidated at the thought of a classical music concert, don’t be,” said Maria. “We’re friendly and we explain the music. I find that when people come to our concert, they say ‘Wow, this is classical music? This is fun!’”
String Orchestra of the Rockies kicks off their 40th anniversary season with a gala celebration on September 12, 2024 at 6 p.m. at the Montana Museum of Art and Culture. The evening will include a reception, a special chamber music performance by the String Orchestra of the Rockies quartet, and a docent-led tour of the museum.
For more information on this and each of their four live performances during the 2024/2025 season, and to purchase tickets, visit Sormt.org.