NCW News: Eight decades of music: Wenatchee Valley Symphony unveils new season
By ANDREW SIMPSON
Ward Media Staff Reporter
WENATCHEE — The Wenatchee Valley Symphony Orchestra will mark eight decades of music in North Central Washington with a 2026-27 season spanning Celtic-inspired folk, Romantic masterworks, contemporary classical music and longtime holiday traditions.
The orchestra announced its 80th season, themed “Eight Decades, One Orchestra,” with four main subscription concerts beginning Oct. 3, along with its annual performances of “The Nutcracker” and a Christmas collaboration with the Columbia Chorale.
Founded in 1947, the orchestra is led by Music Director and Conductor Dr. Nikolas Caoile and Executive Director Dr. Anton Zotov.
The season opens Oct. 3 with “The Gothard Sisters — Moment in Time” at the Numerica Performing Arts Center. The orchestra will join Pacific Northwest folk trio Greta, Willow and Solana Gothard for the first full orchestral performance of their new album, “Moment in Time.” The sisters’ music blends Celtic, folk, classical and world influences with violin-driven melodies and storytelling.
The second concert, “Hymn for Everyone,” is scheduled for Nov. 7 and will bring together contemporary works drawing inspiration from medieval and Baroque music. The program includes Osvaldo Golijov’s cello concerto “Azul,” Christopher Theofanidis’ “Rainbow Body” and Kevin Puts’ “Virelai.”
Guest artists include cellist John Michel, accordionist Jamie Maschler and percussionists Faye Lu and Joshua Gianola. A winner of the Young Musicians Competition will also perform a movement from a marimba concerto.