Role

:

Ensemble

Period

:

Modern

Genre

:

Choral

 

 

Orchestral

 

The Greater Hoople Area Off-Season Philharmonic is a classical music ensemble that was founded in 1995 in the small town of Hoople, North Dakota. The ensemble was created by a group of local musicians who wanted to continue playing music during the off-season when their regular orchestras were not performing. The group started out as a small chamber ensemble, but over the years it has grown to become a full symphony orchestra. The main members of the Greater Hoople Area Off-Season Philharmonic are a mix of amateur and professional musicians from the Hoople area and surrounding communities. The ensemble is led by conductor and music director, Dr. Harold Johnson, who is a retired music professor from the nearby University of North Dakota. Dr. Johnson has been with the ensemble since its inception and has been instrumental in its growth and success. One of the highlights of the Greater Hoople Area Off-Season Philharmonic's early years was its performance of Beethoven's Symphony No. 9 in 1998. This was a major undertaking for the ensemble, as it required a large chorus in addition to the orchestra. The ensemble collaborated with local choirs and soloists to put on a memorable performance that was well-received by the community. In 2001, the Greater Hoople Area Off-Season Philharmonic was invited to perform at the North Dakota State Fair in Minot, ND. This was a major opportunity for the ensemble to showcase its talents to a wider audience. The ensemble performed a program of classical favorites, including works by Mozart, Tchaikovsky, and Brahms. The performance was a huge success and helped to raise the profile of the ensemble throughout the state. Over the years, the Greater Hoople Area Off-Season Philharmonic has continued to perform a wide variety of classical music, from Baroque to contemporary. The ensemble has also collaborated with local soloists and choirs, as well as guest conductors and composers. In 2010, the ensemble premiered a new work by North Dakota composer, John Smith. The piece, titled "Prairie Symphony," was inspired by the landscape and culture of the Great Plains region and was well-received by audiences and critics alike. In addition to its regular concert series, the Greater Hoople Area Off-Season Philharmonic has also been involved in a number of community outreach programs. The ensemble has performed at local schools and retirement homes, as well as at fundraising events for local charities. The ensemble has also collaborated with local theater groups to provide live music for productions of classic plays and musicals. Despite its relatively small size and rural location, the Greater Hoople Area Off-Season Philharmonic has received a number of awards and accolades over the years. In 2015, the ensemble was awarded the North Dakota Governor's Award for the Arts in recognition of its contributions to the cultural life of the state. The ensemble has also been featured in local and regional media, including radio and television broadcasts. Looking to the future, the Greater Hoople Area Off-Season Philharmonic is committed to continuing its mission of bringing classical music to the people of North Dakota and beyond. The ensemble is currently planning its 25th anniversary season, which will feature a mix of classic and contemporary works, as well as collaborations with local artists and organizations.

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