Teri Treat introduced today’s program featuring Thom Mayes, Executive Director, and Dr. Yaniv Attar, Music Director for Whatcom Symphony Orchestra (WSO). Mr. Mayes kicked off the presentation with a fabulous bass performance of a Bach movement.
As Whatcom Symphony Orchestra enters its 40th season (less than two weeks away), we learned about its important mission statement:
- Performing music of all ages to inspire audiences of all ages
- Creating community through classical music
- Tourism and economic benefits
- Collaboration with other art groups
- Supporting art education in our schools
We also learned about some local music history. The first orchestra in Bellingham was founded in 1913 by Mary Davenport Engberg, a concert violinist and conductor. Several phases followed including the Ladies Music Club of Bellingham, the Bellingham Music Club, the Bellingham Orchestra, and the Community Orchestra @ Western Washington State College.
The WSO was founded in 1975 by Ethell Crook and Claire Thomas, local music educators. The first training group was in Bellingham High School. Frank Neilson ran the orchestra for about three years followed by Nick Brousard who led the orchestra from 1979 to 1997. Roger Briggs took over in 1997 followed by Dr. Attar in 2013.
Mr. Mayes explained that one of the unique things about WSO is that it is an “orchestra of passion” as evident by its 90% volunteer rate. The orchestra now does 6-7 concerts per season featuring many nationally and internationally recognized artists. In addition, the WSO reaches thousands of students annually through many programs ranging from a family concert to “Beethoven in Schools”.
Dr. Attar then gave us an overview about a new multi-year initiative titled “Harmony from Discord”. The program highlights compositions created by artists working under fear and oppression (including many from the Holocaust). It’s exciting music that shows the triumph of the human spirit.
WSO hopes to see all of us there this year!
Final Announcements:
According to the Minister of Fun, Ken Marzocco, our donations demonstrate that the next U.S. President will be a republican by a 3-1 margin.
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