“On Sunday, July 26, the Olympia Symphony Orchestra will perform its ninth annual free summer concert in the shadow of the Capitol dome,” writes Katie Doolittle in Thursday’s (7/23) Thurston Talk (Olympia, WA). Music Director Huw Edwards describes the program as “ ‘very user-friendly—we keep things moving.’ … The free summer concert is just one facet of the orchestra’s ongoing efforts to entertain, educate, and give back to the community…. Brian Geddes, a symphony bassoonist for the past fifteen years … praises the leadership that Edwards has brought to the Olympia Symphony Orchestra. ‘During Huw’s time with the symphony, he’s really challenged the orchestra to raise their level of performance and the players have responded.’ … A native of Wales, Edwards [says] the Pacific Northwest—and Olympia, specifically—holds a special place in his heart…. He has just signed a contract extension that will keep him conducting here throughout 2026.… ‘There’s this great independence to Olympia. People want it to have its own good restaurants, theater, shops, and art. I think it’s a very supportive community.’ … The July concert is OSO’s way of saying ‘thank you’ for that support.”
Posted July 24, 2015
