Symphony chooses new concertmaster

Thu., March 8, 2007

Travis Rivers Correspondent

The Spokane Symphony has selected Mateusz Wolski as its new concertmaster beginning next season.

Wolski, 31, concertmaster of the Annapolis Symphony in Maryland, succeeds Kelly Farris, who retired last May after serving as concertmaster for 37 years.

As the first chair of the violin section, the concertmaster is the music director’s liaison with orchestra members.

“Mateusz is an excellent musician who possesses incredible virtuosity and musicianship,” says Music Director Eckart Preu. “It was important for us to find the person who represents the sound we are striving for, and Mateusz sings with an extremely beautiful and rich tone on his violin.

“And he brings a wealth of experience with him and is an excellent communicator. He is passionate at heart and adventurous in spirit – and that’s exactly what music is.”

Wolski was one of four violinists who auditioned with the orchestra this season. The Polish native has had an active career as a soloist and in chamber music as well as an orchestral player, and has recorded for movie and television soundtracks.

His wife, soprano Dawn Marie Wolski, will sing with the Spokane Symphony in its concert April 13.

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