On Saturday, April 30, at 7:30 p.m. at the Helena Civic Center, the Helena Symphony presents its Closing Night Concert of the Season with music chosen by the audience. Titled “And the Winner Is…,” this special performance includes music from several different categories ranging from “Favorite Finale” and “Tenor Moment in an Opera,” to “Best Cell Phone Ring Tone,” “Best Work in a Cartoon,” and “Best Overplayed Work.”
For the past several months, hundreds of people have been voting on line from the list of nominees in a dozen categories. “Many of the nominated works are absolute audience favorites,” says Director of Patron Services Scott Kall. “And some of the winners have won in landslide victories, as many of the nominations are works that are part of our childhood or everyday lives.”
This concert gives the audience highlights from some of their favorite works, including their favorite romantic work, favorite work by an American composer, the best spookiest music, and their favorite classical music used in a film, commercial, and cartoon. “What makes this concert exciting is that the audience is a real and meaningful part of it,” explains Music Director Allan R. Scott. “There is some anticipation of what a majority of people chose for the orchestra and chorus to perform, and excitement in what works won. As with any good award show or political election, the voters can surprise us, and they certainly did here. There were some overwhelming winners, and some extremely close ones. In the end, this is all about the audience, and we are thrilled to have some fun and give them what they chose.”
In addition to the surprise presenters, there are two guest artists. Performing the winning work from “Best Tenor Moment in an Opera,” is renowned tenor soloist Jeffrey Kitto who has appeared in operas throughout the United States. The other guest artist will be revealed at the concert.
The evening begins at 5 p.m. with the Symphony’s Closing Night Celebration. Led by Honorary Chair, First Lady Lisa Bullock, the special event is complete with heavy hors d’oeuvres and open bar, live music, along with live and silent auctions. “The limited auction items are about experiences,” says Special Events Chair and Symphony Board member Christa Tarver. “From a special hike and private luncheon on at the top of the Sleeping Giant Mountain; to a private dinner for six accompanied by a string trio soiree at the home of and prepared by Maestro Scott; to a VIP pass for Symphony Under the Stars that includes private parking by the stage and catered picnic, we are featuring things that one could not get elsewhere.”
Tickets to the Closing Night Celebration are $75 (with discounts for tables of 8 or 10). Tickets to the Concert range in price from $52 to $12 and can be purchased on line at helenasymphony.org, or by calling the Symphony Box Office (406.442.1860), or at the Symphony Box Office located on the Walking Mall at the Livestock Building (2 N. Last Chance Gulch, Suite 1) between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.