Artistic Leadership
Anne Harrigan
Vincent W. & Janet M. Carpenter Music Director
We cannot wait for our community to experience the amazing talents of our 6 music director finalists. Each candidate, well suited for this role, will spend a busy week in Billings—rehearsing with our wonderful orchestra, attending various interviews, meeting community member, and conducting a subscription concert—among other commitments. After all candidates have their chance to perform with us, they will be evaluated. We will announce our new music director during the final Classic Series concert of the season on April 24, 2027.
Our new music director will officially take the podium at our 55th Annual Symphony in the Park Concert on June 27, 2027. We can't wait for you to join us in this significant moment in Billings Symphony history.
Dr. Steven Hart
Billings Symphony Chorale Director
Sponsored by Jean & Thorm Forseth
Dr. Steven Hart is in his 20th 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.
