Glacier Symphony kicks off 44th season with pianist Jeffrey Biegel

Powerhouse pianist Jeffrey Biegel joins the Glacier Symphony for" Opening Night: American Rhapsody" Oct. 17 at the Wachholz College Center.  

The performance opens the Glacier Symphony Orchestra and Chorale's 44th season, which will feature a lineup of concerts under the theme, America 250 & Masterworks, in celebration of the nation’s historic anniversary. It also marks orchestra director and conductor John Zoltek’s 30th season. 

The concert, which starts at 7:30 p.m., will open with the contemporary piece “Rhapsody in Red, White and Blue” by Peter Boyer and commissioned by Biegel in 2024 as a tribute to the100th anniversary of George Gerswhin's iconic “Rhapsody in Blue.” The piece is being performed as part of Biegel's Rhapsody National Initiative, which sets the goal of performing "Rhapsody in Red, White and Blue" in all 50 states by June 2027. 

The symphony will also perform “Rhapsody in Blue” and Aaron Copland’s “Billy the Kid Suite” and selections from “Rodeo." Tickets start at $15. 

Throughout the season, Glacier Symphony and Chorale will present programming for all ages. 

The orchestra will be joined by other guest soloists throughout the season, including cellist Robert deMaine in November to perform Dvořák’s "Cello Concerto" and audience favorite, "New World Symphony."  In April, violinist Kinga Augustyn will join the orchestra in a concert titled "Higdon, and Barber and Brahms." 

Glacier Symphony Orchestra and Chorale will also debut Kaleidoscope concerts with selections geared to the whole family, including a Halloween performance of Prokofiev's "Peter and the Wolf," a Symphony Brass concert around Veteran's Day and a Jazz Fusion concert in February.  Tickets to these events are $25.  

For holiday offerings, Handel’s "Messiah" and three performances of "The Nutcracker" with the San Diego Ballet, as well as a new concert featuring the score of the 1980s British animated film, “The Snowman,” are planned. Rounding out the holiday festivities will be the symphony’s Winter Gala fundraiser. This year's gala theme is “Evening in Vienna." There will be classical music, dancing, food and a silent auction.  

During the second half of the season, a Valentine’s Day-themed concert is planned followed by the Hans Zimmer Movie Music Spectacular concert in March. The season will end with Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony and the triumphant Ode to Joy.  

“Now, in my 30th season milestone, it is my continued honor to artistically lead this fine organization and our dedicated and talented musicians," Zoltek said. "Our aim is to introduce, challenge, and emotionally uplift you into the thought-provoking riches and rewards of symphonic music and beyond!” 

Concert tickets can be purchased at glaciersymphony.org.