Music-Arts Fest Will Host 1,100

It’s spring - that time when young artists’ fancies turn to thoughts of working their fingers to the bone. The Greater Spokane Music and Allied Arts Festival celebrates its 49th season this year by hosting the event for more than 1,100 students, from the quarter-size violinists to the practically pros.

This year there are 56 entries in the visual arts division and 125 dancers competing. The remainder of the competitors are musicians, grouped according to instruments and voice.

The competition begins on Sunday and the festivities finish up on Friday. Competitions take place on the Gonzaga University campus, except for ballet, which will be at Dance Etc. in the Valley. Visual arts will be adjudicated at Gonzaga on Monday. All competitions are free and open to the public.

Winners of the top level of singers and instrumentalists, the Young Artist category, will perform with the Spokane Symphony Orchestra and the Spokane Youth Orchestra on Wednesday at 8 p.m. at the Opera House. Tickets for this performance are $12 and are available at G&B outlets.

Piano division winners will give a recital at The Met on Thursday at 8 p.m., and various festival winners will be selected to perform at 7:30 p.m. Friday at The Met. Both events at The Met are free.

Works of visual arts division winners will be on display during performances at the Opera House on Wednesday and at The Met on Friday.

The Spokesman-Review will publish results of the competitions as they become available. For more information on specific events, call the Music and Arts Festival office at 327-3455.