About SSO

The Spokane Symphony continues a long tradition as the largest and most active professional performing arts organization in the Inland Pacific Northwest. The 2010-2011 Season marks its 65th year.

The 70-piece professional orchestra performs for more than 150,000 listeners each season and provides a wide variety of exceptional educational experiences. The orchestra presents critically acclaimed performances featuring some of the world's most respected soloists.

The orchestra is led by Eckart Preu, our outstanding Music Director, who has taken this fine orchestra to the next level of artistic achievement. The East German-born conductor was selected from a field of more than 200. He is assisted by Resident Conductor Morihiko Nakahara.  

The Symphony performs more than 60 concerts this year. The regular season includes a 10-concert Classics series with performances on Saturday evenings and Sunday afternoons, and the Casual Classics, an informal Friday night series of 3 concerts. These are held at the beautifully restored Martin Woldson Theater at the Fox. In addition, the Symphony gives a series SuperPops concerts, including our popular Holiday Pops, at the Theater. The Symphony also presents The Nutcracker Ballet, a holiday tradition for many families in the Inland Northwest, at the INB Performing Arts Center. A highly successful Chamber Soiree Series takes place in the Davenport Hotel's stunning Marie Antoinette Room. The orchestra also performs several community and educational concerts during the season.

Originally incorporated in 1945 as the Spokane Philharmonic, it became the Spokane Symphony Society in 1962. The 2003-2004 Season marked the premier of a new Youth Exploration Series - Symphony YES! In addition the Symphony performs numerous educational and family-oriented programs. Each summer, the Symphony is featured at the Festival at Sandpoint, Idaho and as a further outreach; Classics and Casual Classics concerts are broadcast on 91.1 KPBX-FM.

The Spokane Symphony is dedicated to cultivating new audiences. The educational activities offered by the Spokane Symphony include performances and coaching by Symphony musicians in area public schools. Free music education resources and concert tickets are made available to schools and community centers. The Spokane Symphony is also breaking new ground in the field of distance learning with their work using Internet2.

In 2001, the Junior Chamber Artists Program became a part of the Symphony's educational program. A pre-concert series of informal discussions with guest artists is offered to help foster a greater appreciation of and enthusiasm for classical music.

A non-profit organization, the Spokane Symphony is governed by a 40-member volunteer Board of Trustees. The Symphony also enjoys the generous support of the more than 300-member Spokane Symphony Associates, the Orchestra's volunteer organization.