Eight decades of music: Wenatchee Valley Symphony unveils new season

WENATCHEE — The Wenatchee Valley Symphony Orchestra will mark eight decades of music in North Central Washington with a 2026-27 season spanning Celtic-inspired folk, Romantic masterworks, contemporary classical music and longtime holiday traditions.

The orchestra announced its 80th season, themed “Eight Decades, One Orchestra,” with four main subscription concerts beginning Oct. 3, along with its annual performances of “The Nutcracker” and a Christmas collaboration with the Columbia Chorale.

Founded in 1947, the orchestra is led by Music Director and Conductor Dr. Nikolas Caoile and Executive Director Dr. Anton Zotov.

The season opens Oct. 3 with “The Gothard Sisters — Moment in Time” at the Numerica Performing Arts Center. The orchestra will join Pacific Northwest folk trio Greta, Willow and Solana Gothard for the first full orchestral performance of their new album, “Moment in Time.” The sisters’ music blends Celtic, folk, classical and world influences with violin-driven melodies and storytelling.

The second concert, “Hymn for Everyone,” is scheduled for Nov. 7 and will bring together contemporary works drawing inspiration from medieval and Baroque music. The program includes Osvaldo Golijov’s cello concerto “Azul,” Christopher Theofanidis’ “Rainbow Body” and Kevin Puts’ “Virelai.”

Guest artists include cellist John Michel, accordionist Jamie Maschler and percussionists Faye Lu and Joshua Gianola. A winner of the Young Musicians Competition will also perform a movement from a marimba concerto.

The orchestra returns Feb. 27 for “Full Moon & Empty Arms,” featuring Tchaikovsky’s Symphony No. 2, “Ukrainian,” and Rachmaninoff’s Piano Concerto No. 2. Pianist Svetlana Smolina, who has performed with the New York Philharmonic and Mariinsky Orchestra, will return as soloist.

The subscription season concludes April 17 in Wenatchee and April 18 at the Icicle Center for the Arts in Leavenworth with “Max Richter — The New Four Seasons.”

The program will feature Richter’s contemporary reworking of Vivaldi’s “The Four Seasons,” along with “On the Nature of Daylight” and other works. Violinist Vanessa Moss will perform as soloist, with Caoile also appearing on keyboard.

Holiday performances begin with “The Nutcracker” Dec. 9-13 at the Numerica Performing Arts Center. The orchestra will perform Tchaikovsky’s score live alongside dancers from the Fabulous Feet Academy of Ballet and other Wenatchee Valley performers.

WVSO will then join the Columbia Chorale for a Christmas Celebration Sing-Along Dec. 19-20, inviting audience members to join the musicians in song.

“For eight decades, this orchestra has been the soundtrack of our community—rooted in local musicians, open to the world, and dedicated to sharing the power of live music,” Zotov said. “We invite everyone to celebrate this milestone season with us.”

The four main Wenatchee concerts begin at 7 p.m., with 6 p.m. preludes. The April 18 Leavenworth performance begins at 3 p.m.

Public ticket sales opened Aug. 18, with season packages and student discounts available. Tickets and additional information are available at www.wenatcheesymphony.com.

Andrew Simpson: 509-433-7626 or andrew@ward.media