Maestro Matthew Savery has put together an ambitious program for Shostakovich 5th, including works by Tchaikovsky, Mozart and Dukas and closing with Shostakovich’s infamously brilliant fifth symphony. Eric Ruske, the phenomenal french horn player known for his sophisticated interpretation and technical mastership, will return to Bozeman to perform this concert with the Bozeman Symphony. Shostakovich 5th takes place March 5 at 7:30 PM & March 6 at 2:30 PM in the Willson Auditorium. The festive Polonaise from Tchaikovsky’s Eugene Onegin will usher in an evening that couples grace and elegance with tragedy and triumph. For the main course, you will be presented with the elegance of Mozart and the beauty of Dukas’ Villanelle. Dmitri Shostakovich’s 5th Symphony will be the thrilling finale. Shostakovich is considered the greatest symphonist of the 20th century, and his 5th Symphony is the composer’s most famous and universally adored composition. You’ll be captivated by the extraordinary depth and beauty of this great work, as well as what is considered one of the greatest and most thrilling finales of the symphonic repertoire. Having performed in virtually every corner of the world, we’re proud to present hornist Eric Ruske in his much anticipated return to the Willson stage. Ruske’s impressive solo career began when he won the 1986 Young Concert Artists International Auditions, First Prize in the 1987 American Horn Competition, and the highest prize in the 1988 Concours International d'Interpretation Musicale in Reims, France. On the heels of these successes, was his appointment as Associate Principal Horn of The Cleveland Orchestra at the age of 20. He also toured and recorded extensively during his six-year tenure as hornist of the Empire Brass Quintet. Le Mond, Paris describes Ruske’s artistry as, "[a] sound both luminous and brilliant, always with a perfect roundness, an impeccable virtuosity..." Eric has truly established himself as an artist of international acclaim. Eric Ruske on returning to Bozeman to perform with Matthew Savery and the Bozeman Symphony Orchestra, “Matthew is that rare combination of a fiercely talented musician with whom I love sharing the stage and a great and totally genuine guy that I love hanging out with. We first met through mutual friends in the Empire Brass during our earlier and somewhat wilder lives (those ‘long-haired’ days as opposed to my current ‘no-hair’ days). The details I’m saving for the book. I can’t wait to see his family, the big sky, and play with the BSO again.” Tickets to Shostakovich 5th are available at (406) 585-9774 or online at bozemansymphony.org. Tickets are $22 for students, and start at $27 for adults. Please reserve your tickets in advance. All concert guests are invited to attend receptions immediately following each concert at 14 North, on Saturday, and Plonk on Sunday. Thank you to the generous concert sponsors: Big Sky Western Bank, and Mrs. Robert W. Martin Jr.