| Program Notes: |
The roots of this concerto stem in part from the gratitude composer Dan Bukvich feels towards his inspiration and mentor, Mary Clement Sanks, as well as from the encouragement of Great Falls Symphony Music Director Gordon Johnson to continue the very positive collaboration begun with the 40th Anniversary commissioning of “From the Journals of Lewis and Clark”, and the later composition for the association’s Endowment campaign “Fanfare for the Future.”
Mary Clement Sanks was literally raised in the San Francisco Conservatory of Music which was started by her mother and aunt. Mary sang in the children's chorus, studied with composer Ernest Bloch “Uncle Ernie”, took violin lessons from her father, a teacher of many beginning students, among them, Isaac Stern. As an adult Mary taught at the University of Utah and at Montana State University. In 1971 she started the Adult Chamber Music Festival in Bozeman. The festival has since grown to bring musicians together throughout the entire U.S., Canada, Mexico and Europe. A beloved figure on campus, she was a superb violinist and piano accompanist who radiated a quiet, calming confidence to all who shared music with her. To her memory Dan dedicates this composition. |
