Bozeman Symphony to Perform Elgar’s Enigma Variations Featuring Sandy Stimson’s Performance of Westlake’s Spirit of the Wild

BOZEMAN -- The Bozeman Symphony’s fifth classical concert of the 2023/24 season, Elgar’s Enigma Variations, in April will also include Principal Oboist Sandy Stimson’s performance of Nigel Westlake’s Spirit of the Wild.

This concert opens with Hailstork’s An American Port of Call, unleashing the energy of a busy North American port city. Sandy Stimson, the Bozeman Symphony’s beloved principal oboist will then take center stage to perform Westlake’s Spirit of the Wild. This work utilizes the oboe to depict the diverse majesty of Western Tasmania’s wilderness. Rounding out the program is a classic masterpiece, Elgar’s Enigma Variations. The concert will conclude with Variations for Orchestra on an Original Theme, Op. 26 “Enigma,” an orchestral work comprising 14 variations on an original theme.

Guest conductor Chelsea Gallo will guide the audience on an extraordinary musical journey introducing a colorful cast of musical characters. Labeled a “rising star,” Gallo has been praised for her ability to lead the orchestra with grace and fiery command. She has served as Assistant Conductor to The Florida Orchestra, Principal Guest Conductor of the Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra, and a Cover Conductor for the New York Philharmonic. She will be a regular Guest Conductor with the Virginia Symphony and Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra.

In addition to the Bozeman Symphony, Stimson performs on English horn with the Billings Symphony. She also performs locally with the Montana Ballet Company, and Intermountain Opera Company, and performs chamber music with the Rosewood Duo and the Bridger Winds woodwind quintet. She holds a Master of Music degree from Yale University and a Bachelor of Music degree from Ithaca College.

Performances are Saturday, April 13, at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday, April 14, at 2:30 p.m., at the WillsonAuditorium, 404 West Main Street in downtown Bozeman. These concerts would not be possible without the support of sponsors Cal and Tricia DeSouza, Rick Sanders and Janice Hand, Robyn Erlenbush-ERA Landmark Real Estate, and Renee and Stuart Westlake.

Individual tickets are available at https://www.bozemansymphony.org/enigmavariations.html or by calling the office at 406-585-9774. Adult tickets start at $29 and discounted student tickets (K-12 and college) are available.