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From the Studio: Spokane Symphony Concert - Classics 7

We were quite busy this morning with all of the musicians coming in and out of the studio.  Because this weekend is the seventh concert in the Spokane Symphony's Classics series ("Zen Fantastique"), Verne had the privilege of talking with two different guests.  The first one was cellist Maja Bogdanovic, who will be playing the Elgar Cello Concerto with the symphony on the first half of the program.  

Immediately preceding that piece on the program, however, will be KarenTanaka's Water of Life.  Karen also came to the studio today.  Both of them discussed their backgrounds, inspirations, and musical happenings thus far leading them to Spokane.  Their interviews are below, with Part 1 featuring Maja and Part 2 featuring Karen.

The Spokane Symphony will conclude their program with none other than Hector Berlioz's Symphonie Fantastique, one of the most beloved works in the orchestral repertoire.  Concerts are this weekend, Saturday, February 27th at 8:00pm and Sunday, February 28th at 3:00pm at the Martin Woldson Theater at the Fox.

KarenTanaka022616.mp3
Part 2: Interview with Composer Karen Tanaka

Verne Windham got his start at Spokane Public Radio 20 years ago. “I came in to complain and they hired me.” He’s now the Program Director, as well as the host of Morning Classical and Concert of the Week. When choosing music for Morning Classical, Verne likes to keep the agenda as broadly defined as possible. For Concert of the Week, he focuses on the best of recent local performances, mostly classical in nature. For many years, Verne was also the conductor of the Spokane Youth Orchestra. He enjoys gardening, his vintage car and playing French horn.