CHENEY— A packed house at the Mason Jar downtown Thursday night, May 19, was treated to 45 minutes of classical music performed by the Spokane Symphony. The appearance was part of the symphony’s “Out and About” concert series.
The traveling series intends to provide something unique to local communities and integrate the symphony into people’s everyday lives.
Spokane Symphony Executive Director Jeff vom Saal said the concept of the “Out and About” performances have floated about for a while and with all of the COVID restrictions now lifted, it has come to life.
“The germ of this idea has been brewing for some time,” he said. “The goal was to be authentically engaged in the community. The goal is to meet people where they are”
People of all ages filled the coffee shop and even left some viewers stuck listening from behind the windows.
The performance featured two groups, one being a trio and the other a string quintet: something vom Saal said to be a somewhat unique group with two violins, two cellos and one viola.
“The feeling of music is familiar and comforting but a little bit different,” vom Saal said. “This isn’t your normal Spotify playlist going home.”
Vom Saal said the symphony wants to make the traveling series something distinct but doesn’t want it to feel rare and out of reach for anybody.
“On one hand, it’s a little different and special. Things like this don’t happen so often,” he said. “Special doesn’t have to be rare and special can become part of your existence and we [the Spokane Symphony] are uniquely able to inject special into your life.”
The “Out and About” concert series will stage performances at 16 different coffee shops, restaurants and hospitals. All are free and open to the public.
“We’re of the community and for the community,” vom Saal said. “Maybe if we go to them, then later they’ll come to us.”
Michaela is a former newsroom intern at the Cheney Free Press. She covered stories on education, city government, cops/courts/fire departments and local businesses.
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