19-20 Season - Philharmonia Northwest

WELCOME MESSAGE FROM JULIA TAI, MUSIC DIRECTOR

Dear Friends of Philharmonia Northwest,

Welcome to our 44th Season! I’m so excited to share with you some really magnificent music in four different venues this year!

Continuing our search for diverse music, we’re presenting a concert of all female composers’ works. Taking inspiration from life and nature, both Emily Doolittle and Sheila Silver write beautiful music in their own distinct voices. Amy Beach has long been relegated to the edge of mainstream symphonic music, but she was a truly talented musician and composer. Her “Gaelic” Symphony was the first symphony by a female composer to be premiered by a major American institution, the Boston Symphony. Her symphony uses Gaelic themes as a tribute to her heritage. In addition to female composers, we’re exploring the cultures of Argentina and Spain through the works of Ginastera and Turina. Rich with vivid rhythms and colorful harmonies, their music depicts the beautiful landscapes and people of their homelands.

This year we’re having not one, but two special concerts. First, the cheerful music of Charlie Brown will be brought to life by the spectacular piano soloist Jeffrey Biegel, along with music for one of Dr. Seuss’ stories, The Sneetches, performed at the newly renovated Town Hall, a return to the venue by this orchestra after more than two decades. And of course our year wouldn’t be complete without celebrating Beethoven’s 250th birthday at Benaroya Hall along with the Kirkland Choral Society.

We’re excited to share these wonderful concerts with you, and I hope we’ll see you and your families there!

Sincerely yours,

Julia Tai