Buzz Bin

by Inlander Staff


The Other "Ring" -- The Spokane Symphony is tackling an epic. Next fall, they're taking on a dramatic masterpiece with a sweepingly operatic score and a larger-than-life narrative based on themes from Nordic/Germanic mythologies. And we're not talking Wagner's Ring but The Lord of the Rings, which will involve more than 200 performers, six movements, two acts and gorgeous storyboard images by movie artists Alan Lee and John Howe.


The "Lord of the Rings Symphony," featuring our own Spokane Symphony on everything from violins to Tibetan gongs, isn't until next November, but you'll want to get your tickets as soon as they go on sale next Tuesday. Academy Award-winning composer Howard Shore compiled the "Lord of the Rings Symphony" from his own scores for the three Lord of the Rings films and then selected conceptual artwork from the films to run on a large screen above the orchestra. The resulting piece is a powerful stand-alone journey into the realm of Middle Earth as well as a symphonic retelling of Tolkien's vast three-part tale.


For a story this big, nothing less than the Spokane Arena is going to do, and the Spokane Symphony will be joined by the Spokane Symphony Chorale and the Spokane Area Children's Chorus. Tickets range from $29-$42 and go on sale Tuesday, April 26 Call: 624-1200.





The First iPod -- This just in: President George W. Bush has an iPod, and he knows how to use it! BBC News posted a few selections from the President's iPod this week, noting that most of the songs on his playlists are by artists who have openly spoken out against him. John Fogerty's "Centerfield" tops the list, as well as Van Morrison's "Brown-Eyed Girl" and the Knack's "My Sharona." Even funnier are what BBC readers suggested that the President add to his playlist: Green Day's "American Idiot," the Clash's "Rock the Casbah" and Elton John's "Madman Across the Water." Watch it boys, you might just get on Rummy's list.





Posts From Nepal -- Former Arts & amp; Culture Editor Nick Heil may have left us years ago to join Outside Magazine, but we know how to keep up with him. He's embarking on a six-week mountaineering expedition in Nepal, along with seven-time Everest climber Peter Athans, an opthamology team and a film crew. The Himalayan Cataract Project is a multi-faceted adventure designed both to help treat and prevent blindness and to provide the climbers an unforgettable challenge as they climb the 6440m Colatse peak.





For regular dispatches, visit www. humanedgetech.com/expedition/nf02.





Publication date: 04/14/05