Familiar face to lead Spokane Symphony New Year's Eve concert

Many New Year’s Eve gatherings have been cancelled for safety reasons, but the Spokane Symphony is carrying on with its annual year-end concert. It will be conducted, unexpectedly, by a familiar figure.Last year’s performance of Beethoven’s Ninth was cancelled because of Covid. This year, conductor James Lowe is stuck in his native Scotland and can’t get back in time. The symphony turned to Lowe’s predecessor, Eckart Preu, who still lives in Spokane, to pinch hit. His calendar was free.
 
“I was supposed to be in New York right now so I cancelled my trip and so I was in town and so he asked me if I was able to fill in and it was an absolute pleasure to say yes," Preu said.
 
Preu has conducted the Ninth more than 15 times. But it hasn’t gotten stale for him.
 
“It is an amazing piece in so many ways. Every time I look at it I am overwhelmed almost by the genius that is in it. There are so many layers to this piece, musically, socially, philosophically, personally also," he said.
 
Tonight’s concert will begin at 7:30 at the Martin Woldson Theater at The Fox. Tickets are still available.