The Premier of ‘Luminosity’ in Montana

Additional Information

After their triumphant sold-out performance last year, Jon Harney and the Bozeman Symphonic Choir return to the Holy Rosary Church for an absolutely gorgeous program of choral masterpieces. Featuring James Whitbourn’s beautiful "Luminosity," the choir will also perform accessible works by Bach, Handel, Mendelssohn, Rheinberger, and much, much more.

“The program for 'Luminosity' originated out of my wanting to continue a theme of presenting a major contemporary choral work with he BSO choir that started last November when we performed Gjeilo's Sunrise Mass with the MSU Symphony Orchestra.” says Harney. “It was such a huge success that we wanted to continue, and in looking for another major work, I landed on British composer James Whitbourn's Luminosity. I feel that is a perfect fit for the choir, the organ and the space at Holy Rosary. This work is being performed more and more in the U.S., and I believe that this will be its Montana premier. We will also perform several other contemporary “light-themed” pieces for the choir during the first half of the concert. This is followed by the main "Luminosity" work after a short intermission.

The work "Luminosity" is unique in that it features an Indian instrument called the Tanpura, which lends a great deal of mysticism to the work. This is combined with a lot of minimalist moments, moments where not a lot is happening, intentionally, in the fabric of sound and also features a solo viola playing in a sort of Karnatic performance style performed by Bozeman Symphony Orchestra principle violist Anna Jesaitis. Please come and experience this beautiful, unique concert that the Bozeman Symphonic Choir is so excited to share with you!”

Having added 15 new members to the choir this fall, including three basses and five tenors, Harney is extremely pleased with the men to women balance.

“Based on last years’ growth, as well as what I heard at our first rehearsal, I would say that the musical nuance and attention to detail with this choir will be at an all time high.”
Thank you to Michael and Sharon Beehler, our generous concert sponsors. This divine event would not be possible without your sponsorship.

"Luminosity" will take place Sunday, Nov. 15 at 3 p.m. in the Holy Rosary Church. The performance venue is located at 220 West Main Street. Tickets can be purchased at the Bozeman Symphony offices located at 1001 West Oak Street, Suite 110, by phone at (406) 585-9774 or online at bozemansymphony.org/tickets. Please contact the Bozeman Symphony Society in regards to Luminosity or general information about the Bozeman Symphony or Symphonic Choir.