Musical, Not Political

Nationalism may be a hotly debated topic in politics, but in music there’s no denying it as essential, said Dan Schmidt, conductor of the Northwest Symphony Orchestra.

For the Northwest Symphony Orchestra’s 27th season, Schmidt chose the theme of “National Interests.” The orchestra’s fall concert focused on American songs and its winter concert featured songs from France. 

Its final season performance April 14 will focus on Italy. Schmidt, who has been associated with the Northwest Symphony Orchestra for 11 years, explained the theme for this year was inspired by current political debate, though he cautioned that it actually has nothing to do with a certain political party or ideology.

“This is not a political statement and it’s not tongue in cheek, when you have music that’s national music or music from a particular country, it tends to be really important to that country,” Schmidt said. “There’s something special that identifies with that country. For example, when I think of Italy I think of the church, I think of opera.”

Musical choices for “Italy,” April 14 in Corbet Theatre on the Centralia College Campus, will include: “Vetrate di Chiesa (Church Windows)” by Ottorino Respighi; “The Flight Into Egypt”; “St. Michael the Archangel”; “Gregory the Great”; “Florentiner Marsch” by Julius Fucik; and “Symphony #3” by Vittorio Giannini.

The symphony orchestra comprises about 70 adult musicians, many of whom travel from Seattle and Portland to take part in the Symphony Orchestra.

“The draw for these people is the repertoire we do and the time commitment of it being just one day,” Schmidt said.

Members of the Northwest Symphony Orchestra receive their music for each concert and are largely responsible for learning parts on their own. The symphony orchestra as a group only rehearses together as a group for a few hours the day of the concert. Larry Gookin, a retired music professor and director of bands from Central Washington University, will guest conduct during parts of the April 14 concert. This will be Gookin’s second experience with the group and said his decision to return was largely based on how impressed he was with how prepared the musicians were.

“It’s kind of remarkable how well they are prepared,” Gookin said. “It’s really not normal for any ensemble to put this quality of program together in one day.”

Another hallmark of the symphony orchestra’s concerts is highlighting local talent. Schmidt explained that each of this season’s three concerts have featured a guest conductor from within the orchestra’s ranks who are also conductors for other community bands. For the April 14 concert, Martin Sobelman will guest conduct “Prise di Erivan: Pas’ Redouble’” by Gioachino Rossini. Sobelman, who plays the clarinet in the Northwest Symphony Orchestra, conducts the Beaverton Community Band. Schmidt said he wanted to highlight community band conductors because community bands are so similar in spirit to the Northwest Symphony Orchestra.

“Community bands are adult bands and they’re special because the people play in them because they love music,” Schmidt said.

Another local talent being highlighted in the upcoming concert will be the guest vocalist Angela Gilbert, choir director for W.F. West High School in Chehalis. Gookin will conduct Gilbert in “Si, mi chiamano Mimi” from La Boheme. Gilbert is a CWU graduate and played horn in Gookin’s band.

“It’s going to be very special. We haven’t worked together in a long time,” Gookin said.

Northwest Symphony Orchestra members George Steward and Dane Hurd on piccolo trumpets will be instrumental soloists for “Concert in C Major” by Vivaldi.