This Billings Symphony Chorale concert explores the question: What makes for a better world?
Saturday, November 14th at 7:30PM and Sunday, November 15th at 3:00PM, under the direction of Dr. Steven Hart we’ll explore this question and how, in the Baroque era, composers often looked beyond this life toward heaven, as in J.S. Bach’s Ruht Wohl, which offers solace and hope in the future. Modern composers such as Elaine Hagenberg and James Deignan turn our attention to the present and the power of love, gratitude, and action, showing us that building a better world begins with us in the here and now.
Dr. Steven Hart is in his twentieth season as the Billings Symphony Chorale Director. He is Professor Emeritus of Music at Rocky Mountain College in Billings, where he conducted choirs and taught music history, private voice, vocal pedagogy, conducting, creativity, and music teacher education. He completed his PhD at the University of Colorado, his MM at the University of South Dakota, and his BM at Western Michigan University.
Dr. Hart is active as a guest conductor and has presented master classes and clinics in California, Michigan, Indiana, Iowa, Montana, Utah, Washington, Wisconsin, and Wyoming. He is a three-time guest conductor at the Annual International Conducting Workshop in Varna, Bulgaria. He also enjoys mentoring young conductors in conducting technique and repertoire.
An accomplished author and conference presenter on choral music, Dr. Hart served as the Collegiate Repertoire and Standards Chair for the Montana Choral Directors Association. In preparing music ensembles for performance, Hart incorporates neuroscience, theater, music history, and vocal pedagogy, to create the conditions for peak aesthetic experience. He received the Outstanding Montana Choral Educator award for excellence in teaching, student connection, leadership, and community advocacy. He also conducts the High Plains Chamber Singers and offers private voice lessons.
Dr. Hart comes from a family of professional musicians. He began his performing career at age 9 in the title role of the musical Oliver and at age 10 performed the title role of the Menotti opera, Amahl and the Night Visitors. He enjoys hiking, skiing, tennis, and international travel.
For A Better World is scheduled for Saturday, November 14 at 7:30PM and Sunday, November 15 at 3:00PM at the St. Patrick Co-Cathedral. Doors open one hour before performances. To purchase tickets, call 406-252-3610 or visit www.billingssymphony.org.