Celebrating Montana’s Musical Spirit

From 2007 to 2018, Dianne and Jim Kimball of Butte, Montana, funded a series of specially commissioned works performed by the Muir String Quartet. Inspired by Montana’s natural beauty, these unique compositions were created in collaboration with renowned composers and premiered at the festival. After their debut, these pieces continue to be performed across the country, sharing Montana’s spirit far and wide!

Commissioned Works:

2007 – String Quartet No. 1 by Michele Levin

2010 – White Granite (Piano Quartet) by Joan Tower

2013 – Traces (Bassoon & Strings Trio) by Paul Chihara

2014 – Zen of the River (Clarinet & Strings Quintet) by Chris Brubeck

2015 – Red Maple (Bassoon & Strings Quintet) by Joan Tower

2017 – Quintet for Bassoon & String Quartet by Michele Levin

2018 – Mountain Thoughts (String Quartet) by Jessie Montgomery