Letter: Wild Rivers Symphony is back after 2-year hiatus

The Wild Rivers Symphony is a local orchestra with membership from (and serving) both Del Norte and Curry counties.

Dan Sedgwick, the symphony director, is dedicated to featuring modern, cutting-edge pieces as well as those beloved for centuries. For example, we’ve featured lush video game music from contemporary composers such as Nobuo Uematsu, and introduced the works of young diverse American composers. 

One thing that has fascinated me about our area is the fact that there is an unusually high percentage of very accomplished musicians – from classical to jazz – for such a relatively small population. It is a resource that enriches the entire community in many ways, and it should be a source of pride.

Because the orchestra had to take a two-year hiatus due to COVID at the same time many new people moved to our communities, I thought an article in the Triplicate could be an opportunity to introduce everyone to the symphony and talk about some of the benefits of experiencing and/or participating in live music performances. It could also be a chance to invite both participation and support from new community members and highlight some of the unique individual talents. 

In full disclosure, we have our spring concerts coming up on May 22 and 23, so it would also be a chance to “spread the word.”  It is also notable that both Curry and Del Norte county schools have dedicated music K-12 music programs at a time when many school districts in much larger areas have sadly eliminated those programs.

But, even though the symphony’s concerts are free for students through grade 12 and very inexpensive for adults, we don’t get a lot of youth in attendance. Since enjoyment of music is a gift that lasts a lifetime, I’d like to change that.

 

Candace Tinkler

 

Ms. Tinkler, the change has begun with your letter. The Triplicate will help “spread the word,” as you suggest. Just keep us informed!