Glacier Symphony bus service comes to Bigfork
By ALEX STRICKLAND — Bigfork Eagle
Bigfork residents now have a chance to get free rides to the Glacier Symphony for some performances thanks to an expanded bus service that begins this fall.
Running for the masterwork series of concerts, the bus service will pick up symphony patrons at the Lakehills IGA and take them to Flathead or Glacier High School in Kalispell for the show. The bus will make a return trip after the show.
"It's difficult when concerts are held in Kalispell to get people to come in from outlying areas," said Glacier Symphony office manager Betsy Hackman. "When you give people an excuse to come in they'll do it."
The bus service started last year with a route to Whitefish and was enough of a success to warrant expanding to Bigfork for the 2007-2008 season, Hackman said.
Patrons are required to reserve a seat on the bus — either for individual shows or season-long — though riders may still purchase concert tickets at the door.
"Those shows normally don't sell out," she said. "Getting 700 people to come to one doesn't happen too often."
The bus service only runs during the masterworks series, which includes the Holiday Pops concert, the opening and closing shows of the season and three other performances throughout the winter months.
Hackman stressed that the bus service is not just for those who might be unable to drive, but for anyone who isn't comfortable driving at night, in the winter or those who simply wouldn't go to the trouble of making the trip.
"A lot of people, especially in winter, are hesitant to drive from Whitefish or Bigfork," she said. "Lots of people come to the Sunday afternoon performances for that reason."
Buses will arrive at the venue early on nights featuring ConertTalk, a program where the conductor speaks with the audience before the show to explain what they're about to hear and to give some historical perspective.
The Whitefish leg of the bus service also offers free hors dourves and beverages for passengers from Tupelo Grill. Hackman said no concession service is arranged yet for the Bigfork leg, but that they are still open to the possibility should a sponsor emerge.
The Bigfork bus service is sponsored by Riverbend Realty, Flathead Bank and the Flathead Beacon. Rocky Mountain Transportation is providing the bus and driver.
The bus only holds 40 people, but Hackman said that if the demand were there, Glacier Symphony would look at adding another bus on the route.
"It gives people an option not to drive, which is great," she said.
The service begins for Glacier Symphony's season-opener Brahms and Schubert, showcasing the passion of the young Brahms illuminated and electrified by the artistry of pianist Grace Nikae. Vast in musical scale and technically demanding, Schubert's "Great" Symphony No. 9 in C Major is considered to be the birth of the great 19th century Austrian symphonic tradition.
Bigfork Schedule:
Saturday, Oct. 13, depart 6 p.m., arrive Glacier HS at 6:45 p.m. for ConcertTalk
Saturday, Dec. 15, departs 6:30 p.m., arrive Glacier HS at 7:15 p.m., (no ConcertTalk)
Saturday, Jan. 26, departs, 6:30 p.m., arrive Flathead HS at 7:15 p.m. (no ConcertTalk)
Saturday, Feb. 23, departs 6 p.m., arrive Flathead HS at 6:45 for ConcertTalk
Saturday, Apr. 19, depart 6:30 p.m. arrive Flathead HS at 7:15 p.m. (no ConcertTalk)
Saturday, May 10, depart 6 p.m. arrive Flathead HS at 6:45 for ConcertTalk