Helena Symphony Orchestra

The Helena Symphony Orchestra (HSO) is an American orchestra based in Helena, Montana. The mission of the Helena Symphony and Chorale is to provide classical music of the highest quality in live performances for the greater Helena community. They strive to create community through music; to expand symphonic musical experiences in public and private education; and to provide professional management and fiscal stability. Founded in 1955 and is said to be the best symphony in the state of Montana and one of the best in the Northwest United States, the Helena Symphony plays the majority of its concerts at the grand Helena Civic Center and in the summer performs at Carroll College presenting their annual free Summer Symphony to thousands of listeners. The music director is Allan R. Scott.
The population of Helena is 30,000; it would appear that about half that number were in attendance. This orchestra, which is led by Allan Scott, has an annual budget of just over $600,000, but they don't lack for adventure; they recently played Nielsen's Inextinguishable, and they are completing a Mahler cycle with the Symphony of a Thousand, Mahler's Symphony No. 8 being performed in May of 2012.
==Concert Season==
===Regular Season===
The Helena Symphony and Chorale performs ten concerts on average in a season that lasts from September to May. Three of those concerts include Christmas specials with a Cathedral of St. Helena performance and two performances of the Nutcracker with the Queen City Ballet in the Helena Civic Center. The symphony and chorale also performs a summer special that draws nearly 15,000 people to the Carroll College lawn for a free pops sort of concert.
Exciting, challenging, and invigorating music is always a guarantee at their concerts.
===Symphony Under the Stars===
The Symphony Under the Stars is a continuation of the Montana Symphony Under the Stars, in which musicians from all the state's orchestras collaborated. The free concert now consists of Helena Symphony Orchestra and Chorale members. The concert is grabbing national attention as it is given a finale with fireworks for the entire Helena valley and city to enjoy. The fireworks display is one of the largest in the state. Past shows have included "Best of Bernstein," kicked off with a riveting performance of Rhapsody in Blue and a fireworks display to 1812 Overture. In 2006 was a performance of famous movie themes, and in 2008 was the playing of Gustav Holst's The Planets, kicked off with a fireworks finale to "Star Wars Theme". The 2011 concert will present music from the Harlen Renaissance including Duke Ellington and more...
==External links==
* Helena Symphony Orchestra
* Montana Symphonies
==References==
Category:American orchestras
Category:Musical groups established in 1955
Category:Helena, Montana
Category:Visitor attractions in Lewis and Clark County, Montana