BOZEMAN, Mont. — Opera Montana marked a significant milestone last week with the world premiere of its first commissioned opera, an adaptation of Norman Maclean’s novella “A River Runs Through It,” staged at the Ellen Theater. The new work, composed by Zach Redler with a libretto by Kelley Rourke and Matt Foss, offers a lyrical interpretation of the story that celebrates the natural beauty and cultural heritage of western Montana on the 50th anniversary of Maclean’s book.

Founded in 1978 as Intermountain Opera Bozeman, the company has steadily evolved over nearly five decades from modest beginnings into a regional arts organization with a broader mission. Under the leadership of artistic director Michael Sakir, who took the helm in 2020, and general director Susan Miller, Opera Montana has expanded its outreach through initiatives such as a veterans chorus, a youth opera program, and educational projects including an exploration of Native American music. The company also formed partnerships with local organizations addressing social issues, including a collaboration with Haven, which supports domestic abuse victims.

The decision to commission an original opera based on “A River Runs Through It” came after Miller and Foss, longtime friends and collaborators, obtained the rights to adapt Maclean’s novella, which is revered throughout Montana for its themes of family, nature, and spirituality tied to fly fishing. John Maclean, Norman’s son, an author and fly fisherman himself, supported the project, recognizing opera’s capacity to enrich the poetic qualities of the story.

Opera Montana’s financial capacity has grown significantly in recent years. Sakir noted that the company’s annual budget increased from approximately $400,000 before 2020 to $1.5 million in 2023, largely driven by production costs for “A River Runs Through It.” The production attracted new donors and underscored the company’s ambition to present Montana-centric stories.

Musically, Redler’s score combines elements of opera and musical theater, drawing comparisons to the style of composer Adam Guettel, known for works like “The Light in the Piazza.” The score balances flowing melodies and folk-inspired tunes, making it accessible to both seasoned opera audiences and newcomers. The production features standout performances such as Schyler Vargas as Norman Maclean, Michael Kuhn as his brother Paul, and David Pittsinger as their father, bringing emotional nuance to their roles. The staging, directed by Foss and conducted by Sakir, emphasizes a restrained but evocative style, particularly in scenes set by the river where fly fishing serves as a backdrop for inner reflection expressed through music.

Following its Bozeman debut, the opera will be performed in Missoula, a location integral to Maclean’s narrative, with hopes that its modest scale and approachable score will enable further productions at regional theaters and educational institutions. While no additional commissions are currently planned, Opera Montana remains focused on projects that reflect its mission to serve the state’s communities.

The premiere of “A River Runs Through It” represents a notable achievement for Opera Montana, offering audiences a fresh artistic perspective on a cherished Montana story and signaling the company’s growing stature in the regional cultural landscape.