Symphony Kicks Off Season with Concerts in the Park

Aug 21, 2008

For Immediate Release

Contact: Annie Matlow 326-3136

SPOKANE—Music Director Eckart Preu and Resident Conductor Morihiko Nakahara with the Spokane Symphony will entertain audiences with the annual Labor Day Parks Concerts. For the thousands that bring lawn chairs and picnic dinners to this event, the concert marks the end of summer and the start of another fabulous season!

The first of the two concerts will be held at PavillionPark in LibertyLake on Saturday, Aug. 30 at 6 pm, and the second concert will be held at ComstockPark on Spokane’s South Hill on Monday, Sept. 1 at 6 pm.

Spokane’s favorite conducting duo will present a program of patriotic tunes, old favorites, and movie tunes. They include Mars from Holst’s The Planets, Summon the Heroes, the Overture to the Barber of Seville, and the 1812 Overture, as well as music from Indiana Jones – Raiders of the Lost Ark. The program will also include the perfect kick off for the season that features the nationally recognized Lincoln Festival celebrating the Lincoln Bicentennial: Aaron Copland’s Lincoln Portrait. The concert selections are so varied and diverse, there is sure to be something for everyone!

The ComstockPark concert will also include numerous activities for children and parents alike. The Instrument Petting Zoo gives kids a chance to find their favorite instrument and give it a try, while parents enjoy displays from different arts organizations around the city.

Spokane County Title is a sponsor for both concerts. The Comstock concert is also underwritten by Avista Utilities, Hagadone Directories Inc., LeMaster Daniels, and the Spokane Parks Foundation.

Preu has completed his fourth year as the Music Director for the Spokane Symphony. He is a hometown favorite and has been praised by critics, listeners and musicians alike. He also serves as the Music Director for the Stamford (CT) Symphony. Nakahara has recently been named the Resident Conductor for both the 2008-09 and 2009-10 seasons with the Spokane Symphony. In addition, he has been named the Music Director for the South Carolina Philharmonic in Columbia, SC.

CALENDAR LISTINGS:

FREE SPOKANE SYMPHONY PARK CONCERT: Saturday, Aug. 30, 6 pm at PavillionPark at LibertyLake; Eckart Preu and Morihiko Nakahara conducting. Call 326-3136 for more information.

FREE SPOKANE SYMPHONY PARK CONCERT: Monday, Sept. 1, 6 pm at ComstockPark; Eckart Preu and Morihiko Nakahara conducting. Call 326-3136 for more information.