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Sponsored by Idaho Magazine & Idaho Humanities Council
The Boise Philharmonic’s birth can be traced back to a few dedicated musicians who, over one hundred years ago, began a legacy of orchestral music in Boise. In the 1880s Boise was a small community of fewer than two thousand residents. Near the end of the decade a German immigrant and noted violinmaker Robert Ballot established Boise’s first orchestra. In the beginning there were only seven dedicated members. Their perseverance built a momentum that launched an expansion of the local artistic community. In 1890 Idaho was admitted as the 43rd state with Boise as its capitol. With greater instrumentation growth, the orchestra was named the Boise Civic Orchestra in 1891. C.O. Breach became the orchestra’s second conductor, and Ballot continued to serve as concertmaster.
From the beginning, Boise’s musicians have understood the importance of educating the next generation of artists. In 1895 excitement for the arts had grown so extensively that Ballot and his colleagues established the Boise Conservatory of music. The new school opened its doors on February 1, 1895. It was small, but prospered for decades as the location for music instruction by Boise’s most prominent musicians. During the early part of the 20th century, Boise’s interest in the arts continued to expand, and a second symphony orchestra was established in 1905. Both orchestras existed simultaneously but eventually merged to form a single ensemble with complete orchestral instrumentation. The new Boise Civic Symphony provided a standard of artistic excellence for Boise’s growth into the 20th century.
Artistic collaboration of myriad artistic disciplines gradually became a hallmark of the Boise Philharmonic. In late 1914 the Pinafore Operatic Company was founded, and included a 16-piece orchestra in which many symphony members played. They performed the Opera Fatanitza by von Suppe in 1915. The first violinist of this opera orchestra, Albert J. Tompkins, became a prominent orchestra conductor and music teacher in Boise.
Although a small city, Boise soon became a national leader in the arts. "Music Week", the first ever in United States history, took place in Boise, May 12, 1919, to much popular enthusiasm. It has become an annual event every spring in Boise. The Boise Civic Symphony was promoted at this event in 1923, and closed the week with Schubert's Unfinished Symphony under the experienced baton of Albert Tompkins.
An increasing interest in the work of Idaho composers and musicians was experienced in the 1920’s culminating with the premier their works during "Music Week" in 1929. "Idaho Composer's Week" was created during the Music Week of 1931. The artistic excellence of local composers was encouraged, and opportunities were created to perform their works. The interest in local artists which continues to be a guiding principle of the Boise Philharmonic today, which consistently features of local soloists in Philharmonic concerts every year.
Boise has a history of distinguished performances by many of the world’s finest musicians. The presentation of the legendary violinist Jascha Heifetz on January 18, 1941, ushered in the decade to much acclaim.
On November 12, 1950, the Boise Civic Symphony Orchestra, under the direction of Henry J. Von der Heide, performed with local pianist Fern Nolte Davidson, in a program including J.S. Bach’s Komm Susser Tod. Steady growth of the ensemble would prepare the groundwork for a more professional orchestra. Von der Heide was well suited to this task as he was also supervisor of instrumental music for the Boise Public Schools.
The artistic success of the Philharmonic is a direct result of the efforts and passion of individuals who had a vision for the development of arts in Boise. In 1960 the Boise Civic Symphony’s name was officially changed to the Boise Philharmonic. Jaques Brourman was appointed the conductor of the new organization. Brourman pioneered the Philharmonic’s focus on young audiences by inaugurating the “Young People’s Concerts”. The Boise Philharmonic has continued Brourman’s legacy of youth engagement through substantial programs for young people including Children’s Concerts, Ensembles in the Schools, Treasure Valley Youth Symphony, Sounds Like Fun family concerts, Philharmonsters Concerts, Academus Music Academy, and Musical Kids.
Under Brourman’s leadership the Philharmonic collaborated with local choirs to perform such works as La Bohême, Judas Maccabeeus, La Traviata and the Student Prince. The performance of more complex works enabled the orchestra to evolve its artistic progression that resulted in improved quality and diversity of its concerts. In January of 1964 the Philharmonic accompanied celebrated ballet masters Marina Svetlova and Oleg Briansky.
Outreach tours to communities outside the Boise metro area soon became an integral part of the Philharmonic’s annual programming to better serve the Idaho audience. In 1967, under the leadership of Mathys Abas, the Philharmonic began traveling to Nampa, Caldwell, Wallace, Orofino, and other remote areas in Idaho. In 1971 the eminent soprano Roberta Peters and pianist/composer Earl Wild appeared with the Philharmonic. Boise was becoming a regional cultural center.
World renowned cellist, Yo Yo Ma, appeared with the Philharmonic in 1974, when he was only 19 years old. William Shinck, respected Boise Philharmonic bassoonist and music educator, conducted the evening’s concert. The Boise Philharmonic has championed the performances of many exceptional young musicians early in their careers, including current New York Philharmonic concertmaster Glenn Dicterow. Recent appearances by young virtuoso musicians such as pianist Terrence Wilson, violinists Ju-Young Baek and Janet Sung, and marimbist Naoko Takado have continued this tradition.
Late in 1974, Daniel Stern became the Boise Philharmonic’s next conductor. This year also marked the first KIDO radio broadcasts Philharmonic concerts. In 1975 Senator Frank Church appeared with the Boise Philharmonic to narrate Copland’s Lincoln Portrait. The 1975-1976 Concert Season highlighted the national bicentennial featuring at least one American composer in every concert. In 1984, the Morrison Center for the Performing Arts opened in Boise. This new facility became the Boise Philharmonic’s regular venue, replacing Capital High School Auditorium as its Boise home.
The current Music Director, James Ogle became conductor of the Boise Philharmonic in 1987. Mr. Ogle has become known for his engaging presence and longstanding artistic commitment. In 1988, famous trumpeter and bandleader Doc Severinsen appeared with the Philharmonic, and in 1989 the American Festival Ballet performed with the orchestra. The Philharmonic performed with local bluegrass guitarist and fiddle player Mike Cross at Les Boise Park in 1990.
As you reflect on this evening’s concert, we hope that you will remember the role that the remarkable achievements of the Boise Philharmonic has played to shape the musical life in Idaho. Thank you for over 100 years of encouragement and appreciation. We all look forward to bringing you the majesty and power of extraordinary music for at least another 100 years.
We are currently collecting, organizing and cataloging archival materials from the full history of the Boise Philharmonic and its predecessors. Those interested in helping with this project, or have any programs, photos, clippings, or other materials and are willing to share them with us, please call 344-7849. Thank you!
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