Fabio Mechetti returns to conduct orchestra in new home

Jan 16, 2008

For Immediate Release

Contact: Annie Matlow 326-3136

Spokane Symphony's Conductor Laureate Fabio Mechetti returns to conduct the orchestra in its new home on Saturday, Jan. 26 at 8 p.m. and Sunday, Jan. 27 at 3 p.m. in the Martin Woldson Theater at The Fox.

For those who cherish fond memories of the Brazilian born conductor, this is a chance to enjoy his work without traveling to Florida, where Mechetti is the current Music Director of the Jacksonville Symphony Orchestra. Mechetti has garnered rave critical reviews for his top-notch artistic leadership, being likened to. The Post-Standard said: "...Mechetti's aptitude at retaining musical scores in his head may be likened to a chess grandmaster who plays multiple games simultaneously while blindfolded - and wins them all."

Mechetti, who was Music Director of the Spokane Symphony for ten years, is not about to rest on his laurels when he appears as guest conductor with the Spokane Symphony. He has chosen an exciting program featuring three compositions from three different eras and styles.

The evening begins in modern times with the Spokane debut of Trip Hammer by Paul Richards, winner of the Jacksonville Symphony's Fresh Ink 2002 competition. Richards, an associate professor of composition at the University of Florida, has been hailed as a composer with "a strong, pure melodic gift, an ear for color, and an appreciation for contrast and variety. The Palm Beach Post called Trip Hammer an accomplished, memorable work deserving of wider recognition.

Next, Mechetti brings us Symphony No. 36 by Mozart, an icon in the world of classical music. Also known as the Linz Symphony, this piece was composed a scant three days while Mozart and his new bride were visiting during their honeymoon. The reason: the local count had announced a concert when he heard of Mozart's arrival in his domain. The symphony, while laid out in the classical form, overflows with youthful enthusiasm.

The concert concludes with Shostakovich's popular Symphony No. 5. First performed in 1937 by the Leningrad Philharmonic Orchestra, the work was enormously successful, receiving a standing ovation for more than half an hour! Shostakovich wrote the symphony in response to his denunciation by the Soviet government, imbuing it with grandeur and beauty with showed the composer's triumph over oppression.

Tickets are $19, $29, $37, and $41. Tickets are available in advance at the Martin Woldson Theater at the Fox Box Office, 1001 W. Sprague, or by calling 509-624-1200. Tickets are also available at all TicketsWest outlets or by calling 1-800-325-SEAT, or on line at www.spokanesymphony.org.

CALENDAR LISTING:
Featuring Fabio; Conductor Laureate Fabio Mechetti conducts the Spokane Symphony; Jan. 26 at 8 p.m. and Jan. 27 at 3 p.m. in the Martin Woldson Theater at the Fox. Tickets are $19 to $41; Call the Spokane Symphony Ticket Office at (509) 624-1200; tickets are also available through all TicketsWest outlets or by calling 325-SEAT or 1-800-325-SEAT.