The Great Falls Symphony announces Beethoven by Candlelight, the first-ever Cascade Quartet candlelit concert. It will take place on Friday, February 6th, 2026, at 7:00 PM at the Ozark Club in the History Museum. Drinks will be provided by Enbar before the concert and during intermission. Illuminated by the warm, flickering glow of hundreds of LED candles, the Cascade Quartet and violin soloist, Nathaniel Basa, invite you to experience chamber music in a brand new setting.
Heard surrounded by candlelight, Beethoven’s String Quartet in D major, Op. 18, No. 3 is likely the first of Beethoven’s Op. 18 quartets to be composed. The work reflects his grounding in the Classical style while introducing subtle departures in rhythm, harmony, and form. Themes move quickly among the four instruments, highlighting equality of voices rather than solo display.
Mendelssohn’s String Quartet No. 2 in A minor, Op. 13 follows with a more continuous and inward musical argument. Written in 1827, the quartet is unified by a recurring motif drawn from the composer’s song “Ist es wahr?”, which translates to ‘Is it true?’. This theme appears across all four movements.
A second performance of Beethoven by Candlelight will be held on Sunday, February 8th, at 2:00 PM at First United Church of Christ. Candles will be present at Friday’s performance only.
About The Cascade Quartet
Founded in 1978 by the Great Falls Symphony Association, the Cascade Quartet has spent more than four decades strengthening the region’s musical life through high-level performance, education, and outreach. As the Symphony’s resident quartet, the ensemble launched the Chamber Music Series, supported youth and school programs, and brought chamber music to communities across Montana and the Northwest through extensive touring. Along the way, the Quartet has expanded Great Falls’ cultural reach through collaborations and exchanges with leading artists and ensembles, including participation in Chamber Music America’s Educator/Ensemble Seminar at Oberlin Conservatory, international exchange concerts, festival leadership with the Ying Quartet, and a landmark collaboration with cellist Yo-Yo Ma.
Tickets & Information
Tickets, venue details, and program updates are available at www.cascadequartet.org/beethoven-candlelight.
This performance is made possible through the generous sponsorship of Cassiopeia Books and Nano McCluskey, with the 2025–26 Season sponsored by Dr. Brice Addison.
About the Great Falls Symphony Association
The Great Falls Symphony Association is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to enriching the cultural life of north-central Montana through exceptional live performances and music education. The Symphony presents six dynamic concerts each season at the
Mansfield Theater features world-class guest artists and a diverse repertoire that ranges from classical masterpieces to innovative contemporary works. Our six Symphony series concerts this season are each conducted by finalist candidates for our open Music Director position. Our Youth Orchestra, Sinfonia, and Chamber Music students perform in the Mansfield Theater twice a season. All tickets to youth performances are free, and concerts are open to the public.
By Tia Kanigan: January 15, 2026 – Great Falls, Mt
Author: Staff
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