SPOKANE, Wash. — The Spokane Symphony is ringing in the holiday season with new leadership and a lineup of festive performances at the historic Fox Theater.
Steve Wenig has been named the symphony’s new Executive Director, bringing more than two decades of experience managing major orchestras. Most recently, he served as Vice President and General Manager of the Oregon Symphony for 10 years, where he helped grow attendance and revenue while expanding community programs.
“The Symphony and its home, the beautiful Fox Theater, are true cultural treasures of the Inland Northwest,” Wenig said. “I look forward to building on this legacy and becoming part of this rich, vibrant community.”
The timing couldn’t be better, as the symphony prepares for a busy December of holiday programming designed to bring families together.
The season kicks off December 4-7 with The Nutcracker Ballet, featuring State Street Ballet and over 90 local dancers performing to Tchaikovsky’s live score. Shows run at 7:30 p.m. (doors at 6:30 p.m.) and 3 p.m. matinees (doors at 2 p.m.)
Holiday favorites continue December 13-14 with “Home for the Holidays,” a pops concert featuring seasonal classics. Conductor Morihiko Nakahara will lead the orchestra through beloved holiday music. Saturday shows start at 7:30 p.m., with Sunday matinees at 3 p.m.
The year concludes with a grand New Year’s Eve celebration featuring Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony, complete with the Spokane Symphony Chorale and four vocal soloists. The performance celebrates the 200th anniversary of Beethoven’s masterpiece about freedom, joy and unity.
All performances take place at the Fox Theater, located at 1001 W. Sprague Avenue in downtown Spokane. The symphony owns and operates the historic venue.
Board Chair Carol Nelson said Wenig’s appointment comes at an exciting time as the organization celebrates its 80th anniversary season. “Steve brings a wealth of experience, energy, and a deep commitment to community engagement,” she said.
Music Director James Lowe added that Wenig’s focus on community engagement aligns perfectly with the symphony’s mission “to harness the transformative power of music to inspire and uplift the lives of people across our region.”
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