The Whatcom Symphony kicks off its 43rd season with a celebration of rhythm, beauty, and a treat for local foodies.
The 2018-2019 season officially opens on Sunday, September 30, 2018 at the Mount Baker Theatre, but, on the Saturday night prior, music enthusiasts are invited to toast the arrival of the new season. This year, the Symphony is partnering with Ciao Thyme Commons to present Savor the Symphony, a benefit dinner on Saturday September 29, featuring Northwest flavors, wine pairings, and a harp performance by local musician Jill Whitman. Internationally-renowned violinist Noah Bendix-Balgley will be in attendance at the dinner and has offered to provide guests with an intimate preview of his oft-praised lyricism before Sunday's performance.
Born in Asheville, N.C., Bendix-Balgley played for Lord Yehudi Menuhin when he was just 9 years old and has thrilled audiences around the world as a soloist, former Concertmaster of the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra, and first Concertmaster of the Berlin Philharmonic.
"We are thrilled to have Noah Bendix-Balgley join us as we return to the stage for another exciting season," says Music Director Yaniv Attar. "His virtuosity and charm are sure to leave our audience mesmerized."
The Sunday concert will begin with the premiere of a new work by local composer Scott Henderson. Inspired by our natural landscape, the piece, titled Cascadiana, commemorates the 50th anniversary of the North Cascades National Park and celebrates the majesty of our natural landscape. Bendix-Balgley will join the Orchestra following Henderson's piece for Max Bruch’s Violin Concerto No. 1—one of Bruch’s most famous and most frequently-recorded works. The evening closes with the celebratory and patriotic Symphony No. 7 by Beethoven. Brimming with rhythm and triumph, Symphony No. 7 provides the perfect end to this incredible program.
Sunday, September 30th at 3 p.m. at Mount Baker Theatre. Tickets start at $15. For details, call the Mount Baker Theatre Box Office at (360) 734-6080 or visit the WSO website at www.whatcomsymphony.com. For details about the Ciao Thyme dinner, visit ciaothyme.com.
