CDA SYMPHONY: Best gift of 2022

The almost full house at the NIC Boswell Hall for the “Season’s Greetings” concert was a gift to our community that was priceless. Under the baton of Dr. Danh Pham of WSU, who forsook his balmy origins in Honolulu for serious winters in Idaho, we have been truly blessed.

I had fears that our talented orchestra of 80 would not survive to 2022. The pandemic, the loss of former Director Jan Pellant and the bold move from the Kroc (seating 400) to Boswell Hall (seating 1,200-plus) were all challenging.

Those fears have been quelled after their most recent showings at The Coeur d’Alene Resort, Boswell Hall and Saturday evening’s “Season’s Greetings.” We may have lost a few performers but have picked up a unified, collegial and kaleidoscopic blend of musical masters in their stead. Dr. Pham likes to educate his listeners with a light touch of history and musicology all delivered with whimsical anecdotes and a wry smile. He quirkily wrings his hands as he makes introductions or sets the scene but when the baton enters the air it resembles a Tai Chi routine of fluidity and form.

No doubt, his orchestra of endless depth and talents feeds off his delight. The inclusion of an Astro-Physicist to “play” an IBM Selectric typewriter was brilliant and pure slapstick and joy.

To all the Coeur d’Alene Symphony and your jewel box gift of talent to our small city. Thank you!

LYNN FLEMING

Coeur d’Alene