Artistic Leadership
Anne Harrigan
Vincent W. & Janet M. Carpenter Music Director
Anne Harrigan is in her 19th year as the Vincent W. & Janet M. Carpenter Music Director, known nationwide for her innovative programming, dedication to artistic excellence, and active community involvement. Passionate about delivering transformative musical experiences, she brings both passion and eloquence to the arts. Her vision extends beyond the concert hall, creating unique programs that have gained national recognition.
Her notable projects include the U.S. premiere of Shaun Davey’s A Brendan Voyage, a concerto for uilleann (Irish) pipes and orchestra; a remarkable production of Guys and Dolls featuring an almost all POC (people of color) lead cast; collaborations with the late Montana photographer Michael Sample; and the world premiere of Buffalo Crossing—A Northern Cheyenne Story, featuring 14 guest artists from Indian Nations. As a leader in the DEI (diversity, equity, and inclusion) movement, she aims to normalize diversity in all aspects of her work, impacting the lives around her.
Anne's musical journey began at 19 when she founded the Johns Hopkins University Chamber Orchestra while studying violin at the Peabody Institute of Music. She earned her master's in conducting from Yale University under Otto Werner Mueller. In 1983, she founded the Baltimore Chamber Orchestra and transformed it into one of the country's premier chamber orchestras.
Anne also conducts the Battle Creek Symphony and has served as Music Director for the Baltimore Chamber Orchestra (1983-2004) and the Lafayette Symphony Orchestra (1994-2005).
Her family concert, Colors of the World, produced for television by Maryland Public Television, won an Emmy award in 1998. The Baltimore Chamber Orchestra's first CD,
Baltimore Chamber Orchestra Live, received critical acclaim.
In her free time, Anne enjoys bicycling, Irish traditional music, and aerial silks. She lives with her husband Eric, their dogs Rory and Gus (short for Gustav Mahler,) and is the proud mother of their daughter Erin.
Dr. Steven Hart
Billings Symphony Chorale Director
Dr. Steven Hart is in his seventeenth 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.
