Sept. 13-14, 2008
Fabulous Opening Night
Eckart Preu, conductor
Elina Vahala, violin

W.A. Mozart Abduction from the Seraglio
M. Bruch Violin Concerto No. 1
R. Strauss Alpensinfonie

Spectacular and beautiful are two words to describe Richard Strauss’ Alpine Symphony. Inspired by a day Strauss got caught during a ferocious storm on a mountain in Bavaria, this is one of the most thrilling orchestral works of all time. His extravagant orchestral resources also include a wind machine and a thunder machine. Elina Vahala plays the wonderfully lyrical, yet virtuoso concerto by Max Bruch, preceded by a witty and delightful overture by Mozart.

Oct. 4-5, 2008
Colors of Russia
Eckart Preu, conductor
Stefan Jackiw, violin

S. Prokofiev The Love for the Three Oranges
I. Stravinsky Violin Concerto
S. Rachmaninoff Symphony No. 2

The early 20th century produced some of the greatest Russian composers. Sergei Prokofiev tried to seduce American audiences with The Love for the Three Oranges. One of the most original musical voices was Igor Stravinsky, here featured with his neoclassical violin concerto. The color and texture of the orchestral sound of Rachmaninoff breathe melody. His Symphony No. 2 displays mastery of carefully controlled suspense and everything else a symphony needs: liveliness, virtuosity, festiveness, dance and ultimate victory.

Symphony YES!
Nov. 8-9, 2008
Music of the Earth
Morihiko Nakahara, conductor
Julie Albers, cello

Tba
F.J. Haydn Cello Concerto in D major
J. Sibelius Symphony No. 2

Finnish composer Jean Sibelius' works reflect the majestic natural beauty of his homeland, seen through the bitter wind, melting ice, and blazing sun. Haydn's Cello Concerto, full of elegance and musical wit, displays perfection proportions. It is a perfect vehicle for Julie Albers, a brilliant young cellist and one Nakahara’s favorite collaborators.

Nov. 21-22, 2008
Two Worlds, Two Personalities, Two Geniuses
Eckart Preu, conductor
Norman Krieger, piano

Berio (Schubert) Rendering
L. van Beethoven Piano Concerto No. 3
F. Schubert Symphony No. 9 “The Great”

Taking sketches for an unfinished Schubert 10th symphony, Luciano Berio compared his work to the restoration of ancient frescoes. Beethoven’s famous temperament instilled fear in his contemporaries of the damage he could do to their pianos. Returning favorite Norman Krieger showcases the composer’s muscular approach. Schubert challenged the symphonic giant Beethoven with his “Great” symphony. A work that rivals Beethoven’s efforts, Schubert’s symphony displays brilliance, striking changes of mood and an exuberant conclusion.

Symphony YES!
Jan. 15-16, 2009
Back to their Roots
Eckart Preu, conductor
Gabriela Montero, piano

B. Bartok Music for Strings, Percussion and Celesta
F. Liszt Concerto No. 2 in A Major
A. Dvorak Symphony No. 8

Most everyone knows Bartok’s Music for Strings, Percussion and Celesta, if only from Stanley Kubrick’s film The Shining. The unique ensemble dives into stylized folk-dance rhythms and fantastic colors. As a virtuoso pianist of unprecedented ability, Franz Liszt captured the spirit of Romanticism of his time. Dvorak’s music never left his homeland of Bohemia. His talent for melody and lyricism is always followed by vital, fiery displays of folk music influences.

Feb. 28-March 1, 2009
Spokane Symphony Live WORLD PREMIERE
Thomas Hampson, baritone
Eckart Preu, conductor

J. Weinberger Czech Rhapsody
A. Webern Langsamer Satz
A. Webern Im Sommerwind
D. Ellington (arr. Schuller) Night Creature
M. Daugherty Commission based on Lincoln Letters

This concert is a celebration of Spokane’s place in the world of classical music. The concert features three works from the Spokane-based Moldenhauer Archives, a Duke Ellington arrangement by former Spokane Symphony Music Director Gunther Schuller and a world premiere written by leading contemporary American composer Michael Daugherty for the Spokane Symphony and Spokane’s most favorite son, baritone Thomas Hampson. The Daugherty work is part of the national celebration of the Abraham Lincoln Bicentennial.

Symphony YES!
March 7-8, 2009
New Worlds
Eckart Preu, conductor
Spokane Symphony Chorale


O. Messiaen From L’Ascension
E. Bloch Macbeth, Interludes to Acts 1 and 3
S. Rachmaninoff The Isle of the Dead
G. Holst The Planets

The trip of a lifetime: from Messiaen’s heavenly music for winds we descend into the world of human tragedy with Bloch’s dramatic and tremendously powerful masterpiece Macbeth. We descend even further with Rachmaninoff’s moody underworld tone poem The Isle of the Dead before ascending to the ultimate heights of Holst’s “The Planets” (with an original multimedia presentation featuring photos by NASA).

April 4-5, 2009
Narrations
Eckart Preu, conductor
Alisa Weilerstein, cello

I. Markevitch Icare
F. Schreker Die Gezeichneten (“The Branded”)
A. Dvorák Cello Concerto in B minor

The short career of boy wonder Igor Markevitch resembled the prematurely concluded flight of Icarus. The sound he achieves from the orchestra is imaginative, bold, thrilling and dazzling. Short also was the career of composer Franz Schreker, who was at the height of his creativity when he wrote The Branded. Dvorak’s Cello Concerto is not only one of the finest ever written, it is also his heartfelt tribute to his love of youth.

Symphony YES!
April 18-19, 2009
Exploring the Polish Soul
Michal Nesterowicz, conductor
Mateusz Wolski, violin

Lutoslawski Venetian Games
M. Karlowicz Violin Concerto in A Minor
P. Tchaikovsky Symphony No. 5

Explore the Polish soul with two Polish composers, one Polish conductor and a Polish soloist. “Venetian Games” was a breakthrough piece for Lutoslawski, a leader of the Polish avant garde. Karlowicz is one of the most prolific Polish Romantics. Concertmaster Mateusz Wolski will perform his exquisite and virtuoso violin concerto. Finally, hear Tchaikovsky’s dynamic, emotional and sweeping Symphony No. 5.

May 9-10, 2009
Symphonic Celebration
Eckart Preu, conductor
Spokane Symphony Chorale with four soloists

L. van Beethoven Symphony No. 9

Beethoven’s Symphony No. 9 can be called “the Ultimate Symphony.” Musically, no other piece in music history has had a greater impact on later composers. If heard in Olympic ceremonies, Tiananmen Square in Beijing or during the fall of the Berlin Wall, this symphony is more than music. With its “Ode to Joy” and its themes of freedom and brotherhood, it has inspired millions of people all over the world.

October 17, 2008
The Anatomy of Beethoven’s Second Symphony
Morihiko Nakahara, conductor
Chip Phillips, clarinet

L. von Beethoven, Septet in Eb Major, op. 20, Finale
G. Rossini: Introduction, Theme and Variations
Chip Phillips, clarinet
L. Cherubini: Symphony, Mvt. III
F. Haydn: Symphony No. 104 in D Major, Mvt. I
L. von Beethoven: Symphony No. 2 in D Major, op. 36

Though we tend to regard Beethoven's Third Symphony (Eroica) as his first groundbreaking, revolutionary work, his innovative and adventurous ideas are already evident in the Second Symphony. Through snapshots of his mentors and contemporaries, we can trace the musical DNA of this extraordinary work and composer. Early 1800s also saw the rise of instrumental virtuosos; our own clarinet virtuoso Chip Phillips is featured on a showpiece by Rossini.

December 12, 2008
The Anatomy of a Composer: F. Mendelssohn 1809-1847
Eckart Preu, conductor
Dawn Wolski, soprano
Spokane Symphony Chorale

F. Mendelssohn Overture to Shakespeare's "A Midsummer Night's Dream", op.21
“Verleih' Uns Frieden”, op.Posth (“Give us peace“)
“ “Abschied vom Walde“
“Schlafe Liebchen”
“Hor Mein Bitten“, op.Posth (“Hear My Prayer“)
Symphony No. 3 “Scottish”

2009 is not only Lincoln's bicentennial, but also Mendelssohn's!
Let's dissect the musical output of this man - prodigy, successful composer and greatest conductor of his time. Already at age 17 he composed an extraordinary masterpiece, the magical concert overture for Shakespeare's comedy “A Midsummer Night's Dream“, one of the finest overtures in the repertoire. Some of his greatest works are written for the voice. Two expressive motets, two beautiful a capella songs – for mixed and men's choir – that have become folk songs. And finally his last symphony – inspired by the mysterious landscape of Scotland. But there's a considerable controversy: exactly how “Scottish“ is it?

Anatomy of a Composer: Mozart’s Competition: Friends and Foes
May 1, 2009
Eckart Preu, conductor
Patrick McNally, double bass

W. A. Mozart Cosi van Tutte: overture
A. Salieri Cublai gran kan de' Tartari: Overture
D. Cimarosa Il Matrimonio Segreto: Overture
C. D. von Dittersdorf Double Bass Concerto E major
F. J. Haydn Overture to an English Opera “Windsor Castle”
W. A. Mozart Symphony No. 35 “Haffner”

Who was better? Who was more popular? And - can you tell who's who?
Please enter Mozart's musical word and meet his friends and foes. First, his quartet buddies the violinists F. J. Haydn and C. D. Dittersdorf, who equaled Mozart in popularity. The Italians Cimarosa - considered the best composer of buffa opera in Europe, and the infamous Antonio Salieri, composer at the court (and teacher of one of Mozart's sons). And of course Haydn, Mozart teacher, friend and admirer.

Chamber Soiree Series
The Davenport Hotel
Tuesdays and Wednesdays, 7:30 PM

September 23 & 24, 2008
February 3 & 4, 2009
March 24 & 25, 2009



Think elegance, drinks, hors d’oeuvres, chamber music, and good company. Et voila! We cordially invite you to the eighth season of the Spokane Symphony’s Soiree Series at the legendary Davenport Hotel. Relax at a table, or take a seat in the gallery of the distinguished Marie Antoinette Ballroom. Join us for these routinely sold-out performances for a unique and musically intimate experience. An assortment of baroque, classical and contemporary music performed by ensembles of our Spokane Symphony musicians goes perfectly with a glass of wine and piece of brie!

Coffee and tea are available for those purchasing gallery seating.
Buy all three at special subscription prices.
Table $120
Gallery $50

September 27, 2008 8 p.m.
Peter Cetera
Morihiko Nakahara, conducting
INB Performing Arts Center

The fabulous 2008-09 Headliner Pops Series kicks off with an exciting performance by Grammy Award Winning Singer/Songwriter Peter Cetera. As the former lead singer and bassist for the legendary rock group Chicago, Cetera wrote and sang some of the biggest hits of the 1970’s rock and pop music era, including The Glory of Love.

November 15, 2008 8 p.m.
Bela Fleck and the Flecktones
Morihiko Nakahara, conducting
INB Performing Arts Center

Grammy-Award winning Bela Fleck and the Flecktones have wowed audiences for years and pioneered a genre all their own, mixing virtuosic musicianship with experimental, bluegrass, jazz, and pop influences. Eight Grammys in five different categories – County, Pop, Jazz, Classical Crossover and Instrumental – show the power of banjo picking crossed with jazz, pop and R&B.

December 20, 2008 8 p.m.
December 21, 2008 2 p.m.
Holiday Pops
Eckart Preu, conducting
INB Performing Arts Center

Exhilarating holiday music will fill the INB Performing Arts Center stage when Music Director Eckart Preu and the Spokane Symphony bring a new and exciting Holiday Pops. The thrilling sounds of the Spokane Symphony Chorale and other special guests – including the delightful visit by Santa -- will include the traditional audience sing-along. This dazzling production is just the ticket to get you and your whole family in a holiday mood.

February 7, 2009 8 p.m.
3 Broadway Divas
Morihiko Nakahara, conducting
INB Performing Arts Center

Three of Broadway’s brightest lights brighten the stage for “The Broadway Divas.”
Debbie Gravitte, Jan Horvath and Lisa Vroman are young musical divas who have combined decades of stage experience. Their program will include signature songs from such Broadway hits as Gypsy, Mame, Sweet Charity, West Side Story and Evita, to name a few.

April 25, 2009 8 p.m.
Mancini Madness
Eckart Preu, conducting
INB Performing Arts Center

The Mancini name is synonymous with great motion picture and television music. To say Mancini music is award-winning is an understatement – 72 Grammy nominations and 20 awards and 19 Academy Award nominations with 4 awards. Memorable film scores include Breakfast at Tiffany’s, Pink Panther, Days of Wine and Roses and Charade. And of course there are the television themes – Peter Gun, Mr. Lucky and Remington Steele.

March 28, 2009 8 p.m.
Cirque de la Symphonie
Morihiko Nakahara, conducting
INB Performing Arts Center

Cirque de la Symphonie brings the magic of cirque to the music hall. It is an exhilarating adaptation of artistic performances seen in theaters and arenas everywhere. More than anything, it is the best cirque artists in the world, including aerial flyers, acrobats, dancers, jugglers and balancers performing to exciting symphonic music.

Symphony on the Edge
Big Easy Concert Hall 929 W. Sprague

Eckart Preu, conductor
Friday, October 24, 2008 7:30 p.m.

Morihiko Nakahara, conductor
Friday, March 20, 2009 7:30 PM

In its fourth year, Symphony on the Edge rocks the Big Easy once again! Join Music Director Eckart Preu, Associate Conductor Morihiko Nakahara, and the SSO at Spokane’s popular night club on. With a t-shirt on your back, a drink in one hand, and a Symphony program in the other, get ready to experience the invigorating collision of progressive symphonic music, special lighting effects, and big-screen close-ups. To audiences of all ages, expect a fresh, unique, and daring performance! These two concerts are certain to live up to their regional and national acclaim.

$ 36 for both concerts
$ 19 for one concert

Saturday, Nov. 1 – 2 pm
Spooktacular!
Lobby activities from p.m.
The Martin Woldson Theater at The Fox

Where do the cats and heroes and ghosts all meet
The day after they Trick-or-Treat?
It’s at the Symphony they find a seat,
And dressed in costumes they’ll all compete!

Halloween favorites return with one-hour Spokane Symphony Family Concerts for elementary ages. Come early for the lobby activities – including the popular Musical Petting Zoo - and compete with the musicians onstage in the Best Costume Contest!

Saturday, Jan. 24, 2 p.m.
The World Comes West
Lobby activities and exhibits from 1:00pm
The Martin Woldson Theater at The Fox

What’s your heritage? Westward Ho! was the cry of immigrants following President Lincoln’s Homestead Act. The Symphony launches a celebration of Lincoln’s Bicentennial with a musical world tour of immigrant groups coming West - featuring classroom projects onstage and in lobby exhibits!

Both Concerts $8 children $18 adults
One Concert $5 $10 adults

An all new Nutcracker!
The Spokane Symphony and Alberta Ballet

The world premiere of Edmund Stripe’s The Nutcracker will open as the grandest and most opulent production in Alberta Ballet’s history. Set in imperial Russia, this unique retelling of E.T.A Hoffman’s classic tale will immerse you in the lavish world of The Nutcracker like you’ve never seen before!

Friday, December 5, 2008 7:30 p.m.
Saturday, December 6, 2008 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.
Sunday, December 7, 2008 2 p.m.
INB Performing Arts Center, 334 W. Spokane Falls Blvd

$19 $26 $32 $37 Children $14

Buy early and receive a discount on all adult tickets before August 1!
$16 $23 $29 $33

Evelyn Glennie –
Feb. 13, 2009 8 p.m.
INB Performing Art Center

“Evelyn Glennie is simply a phenomenon of a performer” —New York Times
Grammy-winning percussionist Evelyn Glennie can wrest an expansive orchestral sound out of a single snare drum. A captivating improviser and composer, she has challenged the music world to re-imagine the vast possibilities of percussion through her highly communicative music making. Evelyn Glennie is returning to play with the Spokane Symphony as part of the National Association for Music Education Northwest Division 41st Biennial Conference meeting February 13-15, 2009 in Spokane. A limited number of tickets are available through the Spokane Symphony to those not attending the conference.
$20, $27, $35, $45

An Evening with Sir James and Lady Jeanne Galway
Saturday, March 14, 2009

"James Galway is more than a flute-player, he is the world's only flute personality.”
- Seattle Times

Sir James Galway is widely regarded as both a supreme interpreter of classical flute repertoire and a consummate entertainer. Through his extensive touring, television appearances and more than 30 million albums sold, Sir James’ appeal has crossed all musical boundaries and reached millions worldwide.

Sir James will be joined his wife flutist Lady Jeanne Galway to transport listeners through a spectrum of extraordinary music from Mozart to the popular favorites. This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to hear this concert in the fabulous Martin Woldson Theater at the Fox.

$30, $50, $65, $75

Classics 3
Nov. 8-9, 2008
Music of the Earth
Morihiko Nakahara, conductor
Julie Albers, cello

Finland is north – way north – and Finish composer Jean Sibelius wrote music describing bitter wind, melting ice, blazing sun, and the beauty of Finland. Julie Albers is a brilliant young cellist who will play Haydn's Cello Concerto. It is full of elegance, but still includes musical jokes.

Classics 5
Jan. 15-16, 2009
Back to their Roots
Eckart Preu, conductor
Gabriela Montero, piano

Composers often include musical ideas from their native lands in their pieces. Bartok’s Music for Strings, Percussion and Celesta dives into stylized folk-dance rhythms and fantastic colors. Franz Liszt, an amazing pianist, captured the spirit of Romanticism of his time. Dvorak alternated beautiful melodies with fiery displays influenced by folk music from his native Bohemia.

Classics 7
March 7-8, 2009
New Worlds
Eckart Preu, conductor
Spokane Symphony Chorale

Let’s go on a trip of a lifetime! We start with Messiaen’s heavenly music for winds, and then go to Scotland for the tragedy story of Macbeth, dramatically told by Bloch. We descend to the underworld with Rachmaninoff’s moody The Isle of the Dead. Finally we blast into outer space to tour The Planets, complete with a multimedia presentation of NASA photos.

Classics 9
April 18-19, 2009
Exploring the Polish Soul
Michal Nesterowicz, conductor
Mateusz Wolski, violin

Our Concertmaster Mateusz Wolski is from Poland and so is the guest conductor, and they will introduce us to the music written by two Polish composers. Lutoslawski, a well known pianist, thought “Venetian Games” was his first work as a mature composer. Karlowicz was one of the most prolific Polish Romantics and well known conductor. Wolski will perform his beautiful violin concerto. The concert ends with the emotional Symphony No. 5 by Tchaikovsky, a Russian Romantic composer.