It is 7:25 PM in the University of Montana Music Recital Hall. You take your seat for a performance of a rich baroque Adagio, or a cello concerto, or a stirring Latin tango. As the house lights dim, you watch the stage with a quiet, delicious anticipation. The evening's ensemble strides out onto the stage as the still air is cut with warm applause. With a brisk intake of breath, the performance begins.

The String Orchestra of the Rockies, now in its 24th year, is the only professional ensemble of its kind in Montana. SOR, as the orchestra is affectionately known, draws upon the talents of the finest string players in the Big Sky Country, including faculty members of the University of Montana in Missoula and Montana State University in Bozeman, as well as members of the well-known Great Falls Cascade Quartet.  All SOR members are successful string teachers in addition to their professional performance schedule.

This unique 15-member gem of an orchestra invites audiences to connect emotionally with them as they treat listeners to music as varied as Montana itself. Playing without a conductor, they rely upon the individual expertise of the players to create a cohesive, dynamic sound. Many internationally acclaimed guest artists have shared the stage with the String Orchestra of the Rockies, thrilling audiences with their musical reach and flexibility.

The String Orchestra of the Rockies regularly plays to a full house as they continue to build on their unique reputation as a valuable resource in the northern Rockies region. The repertoire is always engaging as they strive relentlessly for the highest level of artistic expression. In 2007 SOR recorded a beautiful CD of jazz standards and original compositions with Montana’s  Jeni Fleming Trio. This CD and their wonderfully rich CD “Beneath a Northern Sky” is available on this SOR website below.

Our 2008-2009 season promises to fulfill the most discriminating listener, as SOR continues its tradition of “full flavored music most artfully played.” With deep appreciation for the generous support of our faithful friends, sponsors and concert-goers, we invite you to join us. Grab a hold! We're into another series of music making at its best!