article by Brittany Schimke | photos courtesy of Billings Symphony

For two decades, Anne Harrigan has been more than a part of the Billings Symphony; she’s been a heartbeat within it. From unforgettable performances to behind-the-scenes dedication, her work has helped shape the Symphony’s sound, spirit, and connection to the community. As she prepares to step into a well-earned retirement, it’s clear her legacy will continue to resonate long after the final bow. 

Anne Harrigan’s time with the Billings Symphony began 22 years ago, and she has been the Music Director for 20 seasons. As she enters her final season coinciding with the Symphony’s 75th anniversary, her excitement remains as strong as ever. Under her leadership, the Symphony has flourished, expanding to eight subscription concerts and various chamber performances. 

What drew Anne to the Symphony and kept her here for two decades? The people. Having previously founded the Baltimore Chamber Orchestra, she stepped away after having her child. Guest conducting in Billings, she quickly fell in love with the musicians and the community here. When the opportunity arose to lead the Symphony, she knew she had found her place. 

Her impact is undeniable. The orchestra has evolved into a regional powerhouse, attracting over 100 musicians to auditions. While maintaining artistic excellence, Anne has ensured the Symphony remains accessible and welcoming, offering experiences far beyond traditional concerts. 

Breaking the mold is Anne’s specialty. She is known for her out-of-the-box programming and for creating concerts that challenge expectations by blending traditional orchestral performances with innovative themes and collaborations. One concert that stood out to her was a performance telling the story of the Northern Cheyenne. Collaborating with tribes to bring their story to life through traditional dance and language, the concert merged history and music in a transformative experience. “It was challenging but so fulfilling,” Anne shares. 

Then, just a month later, she’d shift gears entirely and curate a concert around magic and fantasy, incorporating high school choirs and unexpected musical elements. This approach has made the Symphony more than just a musical institution; it’s a storyteller, an educator, and a bridge between cultures. “People think of the Symphony in the park,” Anne says, “but there’s so much more.” 

Anne hopes her contributions will be remembered for one thing: “That there was always something different.” And her farewell season is set to be one of the most dynamic yet. The 75th-anniversary lineup includes internationally renowned violinist Gil Shaham performing a 75 Years of Music in 75 Minutes concert, collaborating with the San Diego Ballet, and a grand finale featuring the fiery, high-energy Fire Season performance. Each concert will testify to the Symphony’s legacy and Anne’s commitment to artistic excellence. 

Reflecting on her tenure, Anne is especially proud of the Youth Orchestra, which was founded after she started. Seeing young musicians treated as professionals and watching them return to the Symphony as adults has been deeply fulfilling. She hopes her legacy will be remembered for pushing boundaries, making orchestral music accessible to all, and proving that the Symphony is for everyone, not just a select few. 

Her journey in music began with determination. At the age of 10, she longed to play the piano, but her family couldn’t afford one. Her father traded work for a piano, and her love for music blossomed. Later, when she wanted to play the clarinet, she waited two years before getting one. Then, she was introduced to the youth orchestra, a moment she credits as the spark for her lifelong passion for nurturing young musicians. The patience and perseverance Anne learned as a child shaped her path, eventually leading her to a conducting career that has touched countless lives. 

As she steps away from the podium, Anne is looking forward to a well-deserved break, taking a vacation and traveling, playing in her Irish band, and spending time with her two beloved dogs. Though she’s retiring from the Symphony, music will always be part of her life. 

As Anne embarks on this next chapter, one thing is certain: the Billings Symphony won’t quite feel the same without her. But her impact, the music she’s fostered, the lives she’s touched, and the passion she’s poured into her work will remain a lasting note in the symphony of this community. And perhaps, as the music plays on, we’ll all hear a little echo of Anne’s spirit in every performance. 

Originally printed in the May 2025 issue of Simply Local Magazine

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