Spotlight: Preu steps in for Shelson at Sandpoint

Headed to Sandpoint for today’s Festival at Sandpoint Finale featuring the Spokane Symphony? Note there’s been a substitution.

Gary Sheldon, who has conducted the concert series final concert for years, recently underwent emergency surgery, preventing him from traveling to the Idaho Panhandle this year.

“I am recovering well and cannot wait until next summer,” Sheldon said in a news release. “But for now, I welcome our audience to enjoy the exciting program coming up on Sunday night.” 

Stepping up to the podium is no stranger to the symphony or local music fans: Eckart Preu.

Preu, the symphony’s conductor and music director, said in the news release, “This thrilling program will not only put the spotlight on our outstanding soloists, but also feature the virtuosity of literally each single member of the Spokane Symphony. I am looking forward to an evening of fantastic music in an extraordinary setting.”

The concert also will include The Festival at Sandpoint Chorus, under the direction of Jon Brownell.

The program will feature works by Giuseppe Verdi, Gioachino Rossini, Claude Debussy and Ottorino Respighi.

The gates open at 4:30 p.m. today for the annual pre-concert wine tasting event, which is included in the ticket price for patrons age 21 and older. The concert begins at 7:30 p.m. War Memorial Field in Sandpoint is located at 855 Ontario St., on the banks of Lake Pend Oreille.

Prices are $39.95 for adults and $10.95 for ages 18 and younger. The box office will open at 3:30 p.m.; tickets also are available through all TicketsWest outlets or by phone at (800) 325-SEAT.