Oct. 29
SYMPHONY SPECIAL: THE MUSIC OF HARRY POTTER
Just in time for Halloween, the Spokane Symphony brings a bit of magic (if not mischief) to its repertoire with John Williams' Harry Potter film scores come to life. Similar to last year's Star Wars event, the symphony encourages concertgoers to follow them into the wizarding world of the Boy Who Lived. As part of the interactive event, dressing up is highly encouraged; fans can also select a Hogwarts house to sort themselves into. The 2 pm matinee is best for kids, while the 8 pm performance is more for older children and adult fans. Martin Woldson Theater at the Fox, $19/$29/$39; kids under 12 are half price, 2 pm and 8 pm (LAURA JOHNSON)
Oct. 30
SPOKANE STRING QUARTET: VISIONS OF RUSSIA
Russian classical music fills the room with brash and bold instrumentation, often beautiful but always on edge. The Spokane String Quartet, comprised of four Spokane Symphony string players, looks to get in touch with that sound in their second performance of the season, "Visions of Russia." The show features Joseph Haydn's Russian quartet, Alexander Glazunov Suite in C Major for String Quartet and Tchaikovsky's String Quartet No. 1, which will more than excite the senses. This more intimate approach to classical is an excellent starting point for those looking to tackle a new genre to enjoy. Martin Woldson Theater at the Fox, $12-$20, 3 pm (LJ)
Nov. 4
INTERSECT 1: FROM CHINA TO AMERICA — MERGING CULTURES
Formerly known as Symphony with a Splash, the new Intersect program works to infuse a new generation with the passion of classical music. The series event will bring in local chefs, bartenders and cultural groups to help kick off the party before the Spokane Symphony takes to the stage. The first of these events kicks off in November with the symphony playing multiple modern Chinese composers' works; to balance that out, the performance ends with Mozart's Jupiter symphony. Martin Woldson Theater at the Fox, $20, 5 pm (LJ)
Oct. 15
SYMPHONY SPECIAL: INDIGO GIRLS
Amy Ray and Emily Saliers are nothing if not confident in their music's ability to transcend any preconceived notions of their considerable fan base. In fact, Indigo Girls fans love seeing where the duo will go musically, whether it's fleshing out songs with intricate instrumentation or stripping down to just the twosome with only their guitars and voices. Of late, they've started traveling with orchestral charts of songs spanning their three-decade career and playing with symphonies, including this stop with the Spokane Symphony. Old favorites get a whole new spin sure to thrill fans and newcomers alike. Martin Woldson Theater at The Fox, $40/$50/$60/$85, 8 pm (DAN NAILEN)
Nov. 5
IL DIVO
Take a look at the four handsome fellows who make up Il Divo and it's not hard to see what producer Simon Cowell saw when he brought the quartet together in England back in 2003. Their good looks probably wouldn't have translated into selling more than 30 million albums of their "classical-crossover" music if the guys didn't have some serious vocal chops. Hailing from Spain, Switzerland, France and the U.S., the four members blend operatic vocal training with pop, folk, Latin and gospel flourishes, a sound that has earned them platinum and gold albums in 35 countries around the world, and an audience that eagerly awaits their global tours. INB Performing Arts Center, $49.50/$65/$99.50/$175, 7 pm (DN)
Nov. 5-6
WASHINGTON IDAHO SYMPHONY
Did you know Mozart wrote his Symphony No. 36, "Linz," in only four days? He and his wife made a stopover in Linz on their way home to Vienna, and he composed what became one of his five great final symphonies for an impromptu concert. You don't need fun facts like this to enjoy the Washington Idaho Symphony's presentation of "Linz" and two other classics. You'll hear Wagner's Siegfried Idyll and Mendelssohn's Violin Concerto, the latter featuring internationally acclaimed violinist Angelo Yu. University of Idaho Administration Auditorium, 7:30 pm (Nov. 5), Clarkston High School, 3 pm (Nov. 6), $25 adult, $15 student, $10 ages 12 and under (JO MILLER)
Nov. 19
SUPERPOPS 2: GUSTAFSON AND THE WILD WEST
You know that iconic "Yahooooooo!" in the commercials for the tech company? Yup, that's this guy. But Wylie Gustafson's concerts wouldn't last very long if yodeling was all he had in his music arsenal. The real-life cowboy and rancher from Montana has led Wylie and the Wild West since the late '80s, delivering both traditional country and cowboy songs along with originals evocative of the rural Western life. For this Spokane Symphony SuperPops show, Gustafson and Co. will bring those songs to cinematic life thanks to the orchestra's additions led by conductor Jorge Luis Uzcátegui. Martin Woldson Theater at The Fox, $28/$43/$50/$62, 8 pm (DN)
Dec. 10
SPOKANE JAZZ ORCHESTRA
Get your necessary holiday fix of The Nutcracker, jazz style. The Spokane Jazz Orchestra presents: A Christmas Celebration Featuring Duke Ellington's Nutcracker Suite. Ellington — American bandleader, composer and pianist — recorded his jazz interpretation of Tchaikovsky's Nutcracker in 1960 on an album for Columbia Records. International award-winning jazz vocalist Kelley Johnson joins the Spokane Jazz Orchestra for the celebration. Bing Crosby Theater, $26.50 adult, $12 student and children 17 and under, 7:30 pm (JM) ♦
