University of ScholarWorks at

University of Montana News Releases, 1928, 1956-present University Relations

3-14-2001

South, Quist star in UM's 'odyssey of the stars'

University of Montana--Missoula. Office of University Relations

Follow this and additional works at: https://scholarworks.umt.edu/newsreleases Let us know how access to this document benefits ou.y

Recommended Citation University of Montana--Missoula. Office of University Relations, "South, Quist star in UM's 'odyssey of the stars'" (2001). University of Montana News Releases, 1928, 1956-present. 17143. https://scholarworks.umt.edu/newsreleases/17143

This News Article is brought to you for free and open access by the University Relations at ScholarWorks at University of Montana. It has been accepted for inclusion in University of Montana News Releases, 1928, 1956-present by an authorized administrator of ScholarWorks at University of Montana. For more information, please contact [email protected]. The University of Montana

UNIVERSITY RELATIONS • MISSOULA, MT 59812 • 406-243-2522 • FAX: 406-243-4520

This release is available electronically on INN (News Net.) or the News Release Web site at www.umt.edu/urelations/releases/

March 14, 2001

Contact: Linda Lussy, assistant to the dean, School of Fine Arts, (406) 243-4971. [email protected].

SOUTH, QUIST STAR IN UM’S ‘ODYSSEY OF THE STARS

MISSOULA-

Two ot Montana’s best-loved performers headline a spectacular inaugural event at The

University of Montana.

Opera luminary Pamela Smith and country-western singer will join forces with UM’s top musical ensembles to present the “Odyssey of the Stars: A Celebration of

Artistic Journeys” on Saturday, March 31.

The variety show will include everything from musical theater, rock and jazz to dazzling operatic pyrotechnics and a grand finale with more than 200 musicians. A benefit for the UM School of Fine Arts Scholarship Fund, the “Odyssey of the Stars” will begin at 7:30 p.m. in the University Theatre.

Tickets are $25 general admission and $12.50 for students. They are available at all

TIC-IT-E-Z outlets or by calling (406) 243-4051 or (888) MONTANA. Special $100 sponsorships include two tickets and a dessert reception with the guest artists. For more information, call (406) 243-4970.

-more- Odyssey, rl—2

Quist and South, both UM music alumni, will share the stage with the University’s Big

Sky Singers, Choir, Chamber Chorale, Festival Brass, Symphonic Wind Ensemble, Symphony

Orchestra, Jazz Band I and Islanders Steel Band.

Also planned are a theatrical presentation from the musical ‘‘Sweeney Todd,” performed by the UM drama department cast, and a student art exhibit in the theater’s rotunda.

Missoula Children’s Theatre director Jim Caron will serve as the evening’s master of ceremonies.

South, a native of Salmon, Idaho, left UM for the stages of the world’s great opera companies, beginning her career with the San Francisco Opera. While in Montana, the former rodeo queen performed in many musical theater and opera productions and sang country- western music at local venues.

The New York Times described South as a “strong, sure and ... compelling actress with nothing short of vocal brilliance.” London’s Sunday Times called her “an absolutely secure soprano with spine-tingling top Cs.”

Quist is well-known as a founding member of the Mission Mountain Wood Band and for his performances with Great Northern. A third-generation Montanan, he grew up on a ranch on the Rocky Mountain Front. His credits include mainstream country, full symphony arrangements of his original compositions, national ad campaigns and musical scores for film and theater.

“I owe so much of my musical career to my wonderful experiences at UM ,” Quist said.

“Not only will it be fitting to return the favor, but sharing the stage again with Pam South and the others will be a night I’ll treasure forever.” m

LL/ps Specialized western, state weeklies, Great Falls Tribune, Helena , Montana Standard, Salmon (Idaho) Recorder Herald Odyssey, rl