Welcome to the Southwest Washington Symphony’s 51st season! We are pleased to once again offer an exciting array of performances, and we look forward to sharing them with you.

Thanks in part to generous donations from our audience members we are happy to once again offer all our performances this season free of charge! Each member of the Symphony organization works hard to make our ensemble a vibrant part of the community and we are glad to provide concerts as a public service to our friends and neighbors. We hope anyone with an interest in beautiful and inspiring symphonic music will feel free to join us, regardless of economic status, and this goal is only possible with the support of generous donors just like you!

I am personally gratified to celebrate my 5th year as the Symphony’s conductor and music director this season. The musicianship, talents, and hard work of each performer and volunteer are my constant inspiration.

We open our season at the Columbia Theater with a Pops program entitled “Picture This,” featuring music from the popular films Jurassic Park, The Mission, and The Mask of Zorro, as well as Mussorgsky’s multi-faceted Pictures at an Exhibition. Portions of this program will be presented to local 4th and 5th graders, continuing our tradition of annual Children’s Concerts.

Help us celebrate the holiday season with Christmas Concerts at the Longview Community Church. Enjoy festive works featuring the Southwest Washington Symphony Chorale and sing along to favorite carols and the Columbia River Handbells. Donation proceeds from these concerts will be offered to local charities.

The Winter Concerts will feature Debussy’s sensuous Prelude to the Afternoon of a Faun, and the delightful, neo-classical Pulcinella Suite from Stravinsky’s ballet of the same name. As a celebration of his 5th season as conductor, Dr. Davis will temporarily relinquish the baton in order to play horn on Schumann’s Concert Piece for Four Horns and Orchestra, along with guest performers Alan Stromquist and Dan Partridge of the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra, and James Thatcher, LA’s leading studio horn player.

The Spring Concerts will display our Young Artist Solo Competition winner, and singers from local school choirs. The program will also feature Brahms’ beautiful Symphony No. 2 and a fiery Danzon by Mexican composer Arturo Marquez.

We hope you enjoy another season of fine orchestral music!

Sincerely,

Rob Davis

Music Director and Conductor

Southwest Washington Symphony