The Art of Community NCW: Wenatchee Symphony is expanding our musical horizons this year
By Rufus Woods
The Wenatchee Valley Symphony Orchestra deserves tremendous credit for finding innovative ways to make music that invites community members to expand their musical horizons. This is an orchestra working overtime to foster a greater sense of community in the valley.
The title for the season is, appropriately, Music Reimagined. The orchestra’s first concert on Saturday, Oct. 7, features the Seattle-based indie rock band Ivan & Alyosha, which has performed with Brandi Carlisle, the Seattle Symphony amid other collaborations. Music director Nik Caoile, who is in his 14th year with the symphony, said he jumped at the opportunity to collaborate with the rock band.
The season has been programmed to appeal to diverse members of the community, with performances featuring Mexican boleros, movie soundtracks, an animated film and a musical.
Prior to the season, the symphony is also participating in the Encanto Concierto on Sept. 23, which will bring Seattle Opera tenor Jose Iniguez, who is originally from Mattawa. That concert benefits Wenatchee Valley College students, which fits with the philanthropic mission of the symphony.They will also be participating in the Nutcracker in December.