Home
Tickets
Calendar
Contribute
Education
Orchestra
Chorus
TSO Information
Auditions

Maestro's Bio
Welcome to the 2005-2006 TSO concert season
As is always the case, I look forward to leading our wonderful orchestra through another season of some of the world’s finest masterpieces.

As I conduct concerts around the country and the world, I am constantly reminded of the many unique aspects of our community. People often approach me and comment on their wonderful memories of the Northwest, relishing the beauty of the area, the friendliness of the people, the great seafood and, of course, the weather.

This season the TSO seeks to capture the essence of our community in the music and guest artists we present. The great Scandinavian heritage of our community will be the center piece of our season opener. We will feature music of Scandinavian composers as we celebrate the 100th anniversary of Norway’s independence from Sweden. The music of Grieg, Sibelius, and Alfven is featured on this concert, as is the exquisite voice of the Swedish-born soprano Marie Birve.

Naturally, when seeking to present a season that captures the essence of our community, the first thing I turned to was the wealth of talent found in our area. This season I am honored to present two internationally acclaimed concert pianists, both of whom grew up in Puyallup. Robin and Rachelle McCabe will perform the delightful Concerto for Two Pianos by Francis Poulenc. Additionally, one of our community’s greatest artistic treasures, the Tacoma Youth Chorus, will join the TSO in December during our perennial favorite, “Sounds of the Season.” Seeking to reflect our community’s strong ties to maritime endeavors, we will present a concert that celebrates the sea, rivers, and the great maritime folk history.

As many of you know, our Pops season has become a series not to miss. This year we will feature a return engagement by Michael Berkowitz (conductor of the “Simply Sinatra” concert) helping us celebrate the big-band era and our community’s ties to the military. Also, the TSO and I will share the stage with famed Broadway star Craig Schulman as he recreates some of his most famous roles in “Heroes, Monsters, and Madmen.”

This season will reflect much that is unique and wonderful about our community. Please join me and the TSO as we celebrate the heritage, history and music of our home -- the Great Northwest.

Maestro Felder