Spokane Symphony facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Spokane Symphony |
|
|---|---|
| Orchestra | |
| Founded | 1962 |
| Principal conductor | James Lowe (conductor) |
The Spokane Symphony is a large group of professional musicians, called an orchestra, based in Spokane, Washington. They have about 70 musicians and perform over 65 concerts each year for more than 150,000 people! It started way back in 1945 as the Spokane Philharmonic, but later changed its name to the Spokane Symphony in 1962.
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What the Spokane Symphony Plays
The Spokane Symphony performs many different types of music. Their main season includes several exciting concert series.
Masterworks Concerts
The Masterworks series features ten concerts each year. These shows happen on Saturday evenings and Sunday afternoons. They often include famous classical pieces.
Pops and Holiday Shows
The Symphony also performs six Pops concerts. These shows feature popular music, often from movies or Broadway. Two special Holiday Pops performances happen every December. During the holiday season, the Symphony also performs a full production of the Nutcracker Ballet.
Movies and Music Series
A newer series is called Movies & Music. For these shows, the Symphony plays the movie's score live. This means you get to watch a popular film with a live orchestra playing all the music!
Chamber Soiree Series
Since 2000, the Symphony has also offered a Chamber Soiree Series. These concerts feature smaller groups of musicians. They play in a more intimate setting on the main theater stage.
Where the Symphony Performs
Most of the Spokane Symphony's concerts take place at The Fox. This historic theater is a beautiful place to enjoy live music.
Reaching Out to the Community
The Spokane Symphony works hard to share music with everyone. Their outreach programs help over 30,000 students experience music. They also offer special ticket prices for families and active duty military members. Many concerts are even broadcast on 91.1 KPBX-FM radio.
Free Outdoor Concerts
Every Labor Day Weekend, the Symphony performs free outdoor concerts. You can catch them at Pavilion Park in Liberty Lake on Saturday. On Monday, they play at Comstock Park on Spokane’s South Hill. These concerts feature a mix of classical tunes, patriotic songs, and popular favorites.
Spokane Symphony Conductors
The conductors are the leaders of the orchestra. They guide the musicians during performances. The Spokane Symphony has several talented conductors:
- James Lowe (conductor) is the current music director.
- Morihiko Nakahara is the resident conductor.
- Jorge Luis Uzcátegui is the assistant conductor.
Past Music Directors
The Spokane Symphony has had many great music directors over the years. They have helped shape the orchestra's sound and style. Here are some of the past directors:
- Harold Paul Whelan (1945-1961)
- Donald Thulean (1962-1984)
- Gunther Schuller (1984-1985)
- Bruce Ferden (1985-1991)
- Vakhtang Jordania (1991-1993)
- Fabio Mechetti (1993-2004, now Conductor Laureate)
- Eckart Preu (2004–2019)
- James Lowe (conductor) (2019–present)
