Happy 75th birthday, Spokane Symphony

If not for COVID-19, the Spokane Symphony’s 75th season would have started this month with a full schedule of classical music and pops concerts at the orchestra’s home, the Martin Woldson Theater at The Fox.

The pandemic may have halted large gatherings, but it can’t stop the celebration of this auspicious milestone.

“Even though we aren’t able to enjoy beautiful live music together at the Fox Theater right now, we’re thrilled that this fall marks the 75th birthday of our wonderful Spokane Symphony that started in 1945," said Elizabeth Kelley, president of the Spokane Symphony Board of Trustees. "We’re excited to celebrate our orchestra’s talented musicians and conductors, fascinating history and longevity with the community."

The entire 75th season of the Spokane Symphony will start in September 2021. The Spokane Symphony season runs from September through May, and will include 10 Masterworks concerts of classical music, six pops concerts and special events like “The Music of Harry Potter” every Halloween, "The Nutcracker Ballet" and New Year’s Eve with Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony.

The Spokane Symphony’s eighth music director and conductor is James Lowe, now in his second year.

The music may be on hold, but it’s time for the celebration to begin.

The Spokane Symphony is the subject of a new exhibit at the Northwest Museum of Arts and Culture, 2316 W. First Ave., Spokane, opening with a MAC members’ preview on Saturday and open to the public on Sunday. Called “Music Finds a Way: The Spokane Symphony,” the MAC describes the exhibit this way:

“Spokane has earned its fine symphony the hard way, through sacrifice, dedication, talent and risk. Meet the exceptional men and women who have sustained and propelled the Spokane Symphony into its 75th year and experience the strength and optimism embodied in the world’s most versatile instrument, the violin.”

During the run of the exhibit through January, the MAC will also offer several online events about the Spokane Symphony. Visit www.northwestmuseum.org for details.

Award-winning Spokane author, historian, columnist and journalist Jim Kershner has written “The Sound of Spokane: A History of the Spokane Symphony,” which is available online at https://secure.foxtheaterspokane.org/344/346 and in local bookstores for $34.95. This book dives into the history of the symphony.

The Spokane Symphony commissioned popular Spokane artist Chris Bovey to create a limited edition poster commemorating the 75th birthday with his recognizable and exuberant style.

Details:

https://www.dropbox.com/s/e64x2d5uumcdr2d/spokane%20symphony2.jpg?dl=0

The Bovey poster is available as a digital print for $10 or as a hand-pulled, silkscreened print, signed and numbered by the artist, for $25. Info: www.spokanesymphony.org.

People are invited to share fond memories or messages of admiration and thanks for the Spokane Symphony. Submit shout-outs to: [email protected]