Coeur d'Alene Symphony launches new concert season

The Coeur d’Alene Symphony is embarking on a “Voyage of Discovery” this concert season.

With this series of concerts led by different conductors, the symphony will engage concertgoers in its search to select a new artistic director.

The first “Voyage of Discovery” concert takes place Friday, Oct. 6 at 7:30 p.m. and Saturday, Oct. 7 at 2 p.m. at the Salvation Army Kroc Center in Coeur d’Alene.

Danh Pham, conductor of the Washington State University Symphony Orchestra in Pullman, is the first candidate being considered for the director’s position to conduct the symphony.

The concert, entitled “Discover Europe,” will feature Pham conducting the Profokiev Violin Concerto No. 2, considered an orchestral violin masterpiece. Pham will also conduct von Suppe’ Light Cavalry Overture.

Yesong Sophie Lee, a 13-year-old violinist, will be the guest soloist for the “Discover Europe” concert. Lee has received stellar reviews since winning First Prize in the Menuhin International Junior Violin Competition 2016. The London-based Guardian newspaper reported that Lee’s composure was remarkable.

“Her playing was silk-toned, notable especially for the intensity it maintained even at the furthest tip of the bow, and a real homage to Menuhin in the way her vibrato extended seamlessly from note to note,” the newspaper said.

The concert will end with Beethoven’s Fifth Symphony.

Attendees will have the opportunity to evaluate Pham. This public opinion will be used in choosing the new artistic director.

A coffee social will follow the Saturday performance, and everyone is welcome to meet Pham and Sophie Lee.

Ticket prices are: Adults/$20, 65+/$15, children/$10, students with ID/$10.

Visit cdasymphony.org or call the symphony at (208) 765-3833 for tickets or information.