Bloglander

If you’ve never been told this before, it’s true, rainy days and classical music pair well together. (Listen to this as the rain beats on your roof.)

Just as this season begins to wrap up — final concert is May 11 — the Spokane Symphony’s 2014-2015 season has been unveiled. Similar to years past, there’s a lineup of classical and SuperPops concerts as well as a continuation of Symphony with a Splash and Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony being performed on New Year’s Eve.

While all of the concerts offer something for everyone, here are some of the highlights:

Opening Night with Silver-Garburg Duo (Sept. 20 -21)
What’s better than one piano? Two pianos, obviously. And that’s what the symphony is kicking off the season with, double piano concertos by Bach and Mendelssohn. Even better, pianists Sivan Silver and Gil Garburg are married to each other, only adding to their chemistry on stage.

Yang plays Night is the Gardens of Spain (Oct. 11-12)
She’s played with the New York Philharmonic, graduated from Juilliard and touted as one of the most gifted pianists of her generation. And at 26, soloist Joyce Yang is coming to play Franck’s Symphonic Variations and De Falla’s Night’s in the Garden of Spain with the Spokane Symphony.

Haydn and Dvorak (Nov. 22-23)
You cannot listen to Dvorak’s Symphony No. 9, or New World Symphony, and remain unmoved. The reason it’s played over and over again (causing some orchestral players to tire of it) is because it stirs something deep within you; it is honestly the sound of America.

Holiday Pops Celebration (Dec. 20-21)
Christmas music played right around the actual holiday is nothing short of magical. The popular Holiday Pops concert is back next season featuring traditional and new festive music and of course, a sing-a-long portion. Perfect for the whole family or a hot date.

Debussy and Mahler (Jan. 24-25)
Here’s all you need to know: Mahler, Mahler, Mahler! The man’s Symphony No. 5 is one of the most challenging and technical works written for orchestra. It’s bold and brash and you’ll want to hear it live.

Spokane’s own Patricia Bartell plays Piazolla (May 9-10)
The accordion is sexy. Don’t let anyone tell you different. And with Spokane’s own accordion virtuoso, Patricia Bartell, playing a Piazzolla accordion concerto, you’ll soon feel the need to vacation in Argentina. This concert will also feature works from Frank Zappa and Saint-Saens.