Bismarck Symphony Premieres 'Paths to Dignity' Concerto for Homeless Advocacy

Guest violinist joins orchestra for performances at local nonprofits this week.

Published on Feb. 4, 2026

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The Bismarck Mandan Symphony Orchestra is using a series of concerts this week to raise awareness about homelessness in the community. The orchestra will premiere a new violin concerto titled 'Paths to Dignity' that is intended to 'go beyond the concert hall and to start conversations to shed light on the stories of those who are experiencing homelessness and to find ways to connect with them through music.' The concerts will take place at local nonprofits, including the Dream Center, and concertgoers are encouraged to bring winter clothing donations.

Why it matters

The 'Paths to Dignity' concerto represents an innovative approach to using the power of music to shine a light on the issue of homelessness and inspire community engagement. By taking the performances out of the traditional concert hall and into spaces that serve the homeless population, the orchestra aims to foster greater empathy and connection between the housed and unhoused members of the community.

The details

The Bismarck Mandan Symphony Orchestra has rehearsed with guest violinist Mitchell Newman and will begin performing the 'Paths to Dignity' concerto at local nonprofits across Bismarck and Mandan starting on Wednesday. The concerts are intended to 'start conversations to shed light on the stories of those who are experiencing homelessness and to find ways to connect with them through music,' according to Dr. Beverly Everette, the orchestra's music director and conductor.

  • The orchestra rehearsed on Tuesday night with guest violinist Mitchell Newman.
  • The concerts will begin on Wednesday and continue through the week.
  • The 'Paths to Dignity' concerto will premiere at Saturday's concert.

The players

Bismarck Mandan Symphony Orchestra

A symphony orchestra based in Bismarck, North Dakota that is using its concerts this week to raise awareness about homelessness in the community.

Mitchell Newman

A guest violinist who is joining the Bismarck Mandan Symphony Orchestra for the 'Paths to Dignity' concerto performances.

Dr. Beverly Everette

The music director and conductor of the Bismarck-Mandan Symphony Orchestra, who stated that the 'Paths to Dignity' concerto is intended to 'start conversations to shed light on the stories of those who are experiencing homelessness and to find ways to connect with them through music.'

Dream Center

A local nonprofit organization in Bismarck that will be hosting one of the 'Paths to Dignity' concerto performances.

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What they’re saying

“Its intent is to go beyond the concert hall and to start conversations to shed light on the stories of those who are experiencing homelessness and to find ways to connect with them through music.”

— Dr. Beverly Everette, Music Director and Conductor, Bismarck-Mandan Symphony Orchestra (kfyrtv.com)

What’s next

More information about the week's events and how to donate winter clothing for those in need can be found on the Bismarck Mandan Symphony Orchestra's website.

The takeaway

By using the power of music to raise awareness and inspire empathy, the Bismarck Mandan Symphony Orchestra is demonstrating how the arts can be a powerful tool for social impact and community engagement around critical issues like homelessness.