The Great Falls Symphony Association Announces New Choir Directors

In April 2018, Choir Director Paul Ritter made the announcement that he would be retiring from the Great Falls Symphony in order to spend more time at home in Helena, Montana.

We are pleased to announce that the Great Falls Symphony Association’s Music Director, Grant Harville, will be stepping in as Choir Director for the upcoming 60th anniversary season in addition to his duties as Music Director and Youth Orchestra conductor.

"Choral singing has been part of my life since literally before I can remember, and I have always found myself coming back to it over the years. I had a great time conducting the Symphonic Choir every time they joined the orchestra on stage last year, and I can't wait to work with these dedicated musicians on a weekly basis, especially given the epically brilliant choral repertoire we've got lined up this season,” says Grant.

In addition, the Great Falls Symphony Association welcomes Cynthia Stevens as Assistant Choir Director. Cynthia is the Choir Director of the Great Falls College Community Choir at Great Falls College MSU, and she has performed with the Great Falls Symphonic Choir for several years. “We are very pleased to have Cindy on board with us as our new Assistant Choir Director,” says Executive Director, Hillary Shepherd. “The professional partnership between Cindy and Grant will be dynamic, fun, and engaging for everyone involved in our choir.” Cindy will be responsible for the administrative duties of the Symphonic Choir as well as lead some of the rehearsals.

“As the Assistant Choir Director, I look forward to supporting Grant and his vision for the Symphonic Choir and working with the exceptional musicians-vocal and instrumental-that we have in Great Falls. We are fortunate to have this caliber of talent in our community,” says Cynthia.

The Great Falls Symphonic Choir is featured in three of the Great Falls Symphony’s Silver Series concerts for the upcoming 2018-2019 season: “Canzoni d’Amore” on November 3, 2018 “Voices of Christmas” on December 2, 2018, and “Benediction” on April 13, 2019.

Auditions for the Great Falls Symphonic Choir will be held at the Mansfield Theater on Wednesday, September 5th and Thursday, September 6th from 6:00 – 9:30 pm. To schedule an audition, contact the Great Falls Symphony at 406-453-4102 or by email.

For additional information regarding choir auditions, please visit the Great Falls Symphony’s website at gfsymphony.org/employment-auditions.