Dear Friends of SOR,

As we celebrate SOR’s 40th anniversary, I ask myself what it is that makes a musical organization continue to thrive, to remain relevant, to keep an audience interested and engaged for 40 years. I think the answer is integrity—staying true to oneself.

SOR was founded back in 1985 on three basic core values: musical excellence through collaborative, egalitarian music-making; the idea of breaking down the invisible boundary between performers and audience through informative, casual musical introductions from the stage during concerts; and the mentorship of music students through performance opportunities with SOR and master classes. These simple ideas remain our goals to this day.

As we look to the next 40 years, I hope to expand our touring platform and our NextGen programs through educational residencies and workshops with our soloists while continuing to draw the finest string players from Montana and the Northwest.

Our 41st season is full of exciting music and world-class soloists! In September, SOR launches a week-long regional tour of Montana, which includes concerts in the Bitterroot Valley and a concert in Billings opening the 75th Anniversary of the Billings Symphony Sukin Series. In our regular season, we will feature two extraordinary soloists—pianist Pedja Mužijević, the artistic director of Tippet Rise, and award-winning violin soloist Stephanie Chase.

As we take the stage, we would also like to acknowledge the dedication of all our musicians, our tireless board members, and each of you. We would not be here without you!

Now—let’s make music!

Yours in music,
Maria Larionoff
Artistic Director, SOR