Bemidji Symphony Orchestra to Premiere New Work Inspired by Loss of Pets

BEMIDJI — The Bemidji Symphony Orchestra (BSO) will premiere a new piece, “Rainbow Bridge,” by composer Joseph Z. Adams, at its concert on Saturday, March 28, at the Bemidji High School Auditorium. The work is inspired by the poem of the same name, often shared as a source of comfort for those grieving the loss of a pet.

A Personal Connection for the Conductor

Adams composed “Rainbow Bridge” specifically for Dr. Beverly Everett, the BSO’s Music Director since 2005. He was aware of her dedication to animal rescue and sought to honor that passion through his music. “He contacted me a even as back and he knew about my love for dogs and my work in rescue. He wanted to write a piece of music for me,” Everett said.

Everett, who also serves as Music Director for the Bismarck-Mandan Symphony Orchestra, has been involved in numerous commissioning projects and premieres throughout her career. She is a volunteer dog walker for the Central Dakota Humane Society in Mandan, North Dakota, since 2019.

Concert Details and Guest Artist

The March 28th concert, beginning at 7 p.m., will also feature guest violinist Maureen Murchie performing “Irish Rhapsody No. 6” by Charles Villiers Stanford. Everett described the piece as “a delightful, beautiful kind of miniature piece for solo violin.”

Murchie is a member of the Handel Haydn Society Orchestra, a Grammy-winning ensemble based in Boston, and has also served as concertmaster for the Bismarck-Mandan Symphony Orchestra since 2022. She will return to Bemidji for the BSO’s season finale on May 9, performing viola alongside violinist Aisslinn Nosky.

Additional Program and Ticket Information

The BSO program will include additional Irish songs, such as “Danny Boy” and “Molly on the Shore,” as well as music from “The Lord of the Rings.”

Tickets are available for purchase online, at Lueken’s Village Foods locations, or at the door. Prices are $27 for adults, $22 for seniors (62+), and $10 for college students with ID. Admission is free for students in grades K-12.

Community Partnership and Pre-Concert Event

The BSO is partnering with Great River Rescue for the concert, encouraging attendees to bring donations of dog or cat food.

Prior to the concert, Everett, along with BSO musicians Sarah Carlson and Sarah Hamrin, will present a Bach recital at noon on Thursday, March 26, at First Lutheran Church. The recital, featuring Everett on organ, Carlson on piano, and Hamrin on violin, is free and open to the public, with a freewill offering to benefit the orchestra.