Symphony Under the Stars Salutes Broadway This Month in Montana

Montana's Helena Symphony Orchestra, led by music director Allen R. Scott, will spice up their 13th annual "Symphony Under the Stars" event next weekend with a celebration of the music of Broadway.

Also serving as a tribute to the late Kerry Brown, a longtime Helena Symphony percussionist who died last year, the nighttime concert spectacular will feature Broadway stars Christiane Noll (Jekyll & Hyde, Ragtime) and Doug LaBrecque (Phantom of the Opera) lending their voices to Helena's symphonic salutation of the Great White Way.

Scott informed the Helena Independent Record of next Saturday's unique celebration, highlighting the Broadway star power on offer at the event:

"This year we are featuring the music of Broadway," said symphony music director Allan R. Scott. "Broadway is truly America's music. And while many orchestras often do that, I wanted to make this extra special by bringing in current and award-winning Broadway stars. ... These are two world-class artists."

Artist Constance Bergum, a Helena local and beloved children's book illustrator, unveiled her official poster for the concert at a press conference on Tuesday. Bergum will be displaying one-of-kind Broadway-themed illustrations for sale at the event.

Maestro Scott, who has served as music director for the Helena Symphony since 2003, told KTVH of the entertaining music and relaxing atmosphere under the stars:

"Frankly, it's a great event to come and put a blanket down and just enjoy food, enjoy some of the vendors that we will have [...] and enjoy the sunset and fireworks."

Helena's "Symphony Under the Stars" concert unfolds next Saturday, July 16. The event begins at 8:30 p.m. on the lawn at Carroll College. A fireworks display starts at 10:30 p.m. More information is available at www.helenasymphony.org.

Below, enjoy some footage from the 2014 festivities.

We want to hear from you. If you’re native to the Helena, Montana area, have you previously attended a “Symphony Under the Stars” concert? Will you be attending this year’s gala? Let us know in the comments section at the bottom of this page!