City Salute: Bismarck-Mandan Symphony | Video

Kristin Clouston | 1/21/2013

While many cities are struggling to hang on to their orchestras, the Bismarck-Mandan Symphony is thriving and celebrating its 36th year.

"We have musicians in from Mott, from Dickinson, we have musicians coming from all over the place. So it isn`t a professional orchestra in that sense, though the quality of music is very, very high," said Executive Director Bhavin Shah.

Although the community has a strong history of supporting the orchestra, its Shah says it`s also coming up with fresh ways to connect to the public. "This year we started a new series of concerts, our Rush Hour Concerts on Tuesday nights. We have four of them and they are called ‘Rush Hour Concerts’ because they`re from 5:30 to 6:30 and we get you back home for dinner."

Shaw says it’s part of a plan designed to offer new music experiences to people who live here. "For next year, we are in the process of programming our season, but we are bringing in a classical guitarist for an open concert. We`re looking to do stuff with singers. We`re looking to do more contemporary stuff as well."

You can see a full concert schedule by visiting www.bismarckmandansymphony.org.

COMMENT ON THIS STORY