Glacier Symphony and Chorale offers “Song of the Earth” a repertoire of nature-inspired concerts, for its 31st concert season.

This fall, Glacier Symphony and Chorale pays tribute to the creative power of nature upon classical composers and musicians. Music director John Zoltek took inspiration for the season from one his favorite composers, Gustav Mahler, whose work “Das Lied von der Erde” — translated as The Song of the Earth — has been on his short list of pieces to perform for some time.

“I‘ve been inspired and captivated by Das Lied von der Erde since hearing it years ago in college. It is a work that I have wanted to program for many years because of its many musical qualities and deeply heartfelt expression,” Zoltek says.

The season will run through May, concluding with Ralph Vaughan Williams’ Symphony No. 1 “A Sea Symphony.” Zoltek describes it as a brilliant, effusive piece written in the choral symphony tradition featuring a full chorus, soloists and expanded orchestra with text drawn from Walt Whitman’s “Leaves of Grass.”

“These two works by Mahler and Vaughan Williams delineate what I hope will be a thrilling, evocative musical progression leading our audience through works both familiar and new,” Zoltek says.

Season tickets are now on sale for the series of six Masterworks concerts plus four special concerts. A discounted ticket option for first-time season ticket buyers is offered at half-price.

Order forms are available online at www.gscmusic.org or by calling the Glacier Symphony and Chorale office at 407-7000. Tickets may also be purchased at the box office, located at 69 Main St., Kalispell. 

Following is a rundown of this season’s concerts:

‘The Song of the Earth’

Oct. 12-13

Glacier Symphony performs with soloists Blythe Gaissert, mezzo-soprano, and Raul Melo, tenor, in Mahler’s “Das Lied von der Erde.” Wagner’s “Ride of the Valkyries” and “Dawn,” and Siegfried’s “Rhine Journey” will also be performed.

‘Autumn Giants’

Nov. 16-17

Glacier Symphony performs with French violinist Arnaud Sussmann in a performance of Bruch’s “Violin Concerto in G minor.” The repertoire includes Greig’s “In Autumn,” Respighi’s “The Pines of Rome” and Hovhaness’ “And God Created Great Whales.”

‘Celestial Music-Heavenly Voices’

Nov. 23-24

Glacier Chorale and Chamber Singers and James Stanard, chorale conductor, present this concert, featuring a range of sacred choral music from simplistic single-voiced Gregorian chants of Medieval times to thrilling Russian Orthodox anthems of the 19th century and beloved modern Christian hymns.

‘Messiah’

Dec. 14-15

Glacier Chorale and soloists with the Messiah Orchestra perform Handel’s beloved masterpiece in Whitefish and Kalispell.

‘Carnival of the Animals’

Jan 18-19

Glacier Symphony will perform Saint Saens’ popular music tribute to animals in this fun, family concert. The piece was written in 14 very short movements, each depicting an animal or animal scene. Respighi’s “The Fantastic Toy Shop” is also on the song list; more music will be announced.

‘Winter’s New World’

Feb. 22-23

Glacier Symphony, with Alon Goldstein, piano, perform Greig’s “Piano Concerto in A” along with Mendelssohn’s “Hebrides Overture” and Dvorak’s “Symphony No. 9 in E.”

Cascade String Guitar

Feb. 28

Enjoy this one-night performance featuring the Great Falls-based quartet as part of their western Montana tour. 

‘Canyon Reverie-Ancient Spring

March 15-16

Glacier Symphony performs with R. Carlos Nakai on American Indian cedar flute. The iconic master of this ancient instrument will perform compositions he has arranged, including “Canyon Reverie,” “Shaman’s Call” and more. The program features an interesting pairing of musical traditions from contemporary American music to works by Satie/Debussy, Massenet and Haarvig.

‘The Ecstatic Sea’

May 10-11

Glacier Symphony and Chorale perform with Gina Lapka, soprano, and Stephen Kalm, baritone. Vaughan Williams’ “Symphony No. 1- A Sea Symphony” will be the highlight. Works by Elgar and Delius will also be performed.