From Maria Larionoff, Artistic Director
Dear Friends of SOR,
The musicians of the String Orchestra of the Rockies have played the final notes of their dazzling 38th season, but the music never stops for us at SOR! In a few short months, we will take the stage for more astonishing concerts, and we have a lot of important news to share with you, our loyal supporters, as we look to our 39th season.
After reviewing the results of our year-long audience survey, the Board and musicians of SOR have made the decision to move our concerts to 4 pm on Sunday afternoons. You spoke—we listened! This season we are launching a streamlined, secure ticket platform that will enable you to purchase your SOR season and single tickets quickly, easily, and directly from SOR on our SOR website. Tickets may also be available at the door if the concert is not sold out. We also welcome an esteemed Missoulian, long-time SOR Board member, and beloved host of MTPR’s Morning Classics into an important new role in our organization. Tom Cook will take the reins as our new SOR Executive Director, and we look forward to supporting him in this new position.
Our brilliant SOR musicians are excited to welcome an all-star roster of soloists this season! September’s season opener features Cynthia Phelps, gold medalist in the Tertis International Competition, whose playing has been described by the Boston Globe as “sensuously breathtaking.” Ms. Phelps is the principal violist of the New York Philharmonic and serves on the faculty of the Juilliard School. We also welcome the young violin virtuoso, Kerson Leong, winner of the coveted Menuhin Award, known for his “devastating charisma” (Le Monde). Distinguished UM faculty members Margaret Baldridge and Adam Collins join SOR in featured solo performances, and our annual “Rising Stars” program and SOR Stockman Bank Master Class series continue the important work of mentorship and providing fulfilling musical experiences for exceptional young string players. Our annual, free Bonner Park concert on August 17th features highlights of our season—our “thank you” gift to you.
Have a wonderful summer–we look forward to seeing you at our concerts this season!
Musically yours,
Maria Larionoff
Artistic Director, SOR
