“Anthony Spain has spent three decades developing, with laser focus, Northwest Symphony Orchestra as a stellar ensemble that performs classical repertoire—Wagner, Tchaikovsky, Haydn among others this season—while also embracing a singular mission to present new music by Pacific Northwest composers,” writes Tom Keogh in Sunday’s (4/23) Seattle Times. “Set to celebrate NWSO’s 30th birthday—and the 150 works by Northwest composers the orchestra has performed over the years—Spain is conducting an anniversary concert Saturday, April 29…. The 30th-anniversary concert, which will feature the world premiere of renowned composer (and Tacoma resident) Samuel Jones’ ‘Fanfare for Orchestra’ as well as Brahms’ Violin Concerto and Respighi’s ‘Pines of Rome,’ is testament to a life spent expanding upon a good idea.” The April 29 concert will include “pieces from an eclectic list including the late, prolific Alan Hovhaness, Cornish professor Janice Giteck, film scorer Mateo Messina and Gregory Short, who drew inspiration from Native American culture in such NWSO premieres as ‘Chief Seattle’ and ‘The Raven Speaks’ before he died in 1999…. ‘It gives me the greatest pleasure to be part of this community and to feel like we’re adding to its strong cultural identity,’ says Spain.”
Posted April 25, 2017
