Spotlight: Symphony extends Preu, Nakahara’s contracts
It looks like Eckart Preu and Morihiko Nakahara are sticking around.
The Spokane Symphony on Wednesday announced it had reached contract agreements with Preu, the music director, and Nakahara, the resident conductor. Preu’s contract will keep him with the symphony through the 2015-’16 season; Nakahara’s contract extension is good through 2013-’14.
“These contract extensions make an important statement about this wonderful orchestra and about its role in this community. Ensuring that this strong leadership team remains on the podium is very important to the future of the orchestra and the arts in Spokane,” said Executive Director Brenda Nienhouse in a news release.
Preu began his tenure in September 2004. As music director, Preu is the symphony’s primary conductor and is responsible for the overall artistic planning. He lives in Spokane with his wife, Neeley, and daughters, Sophia and Victoria.
Nakahara came to Spokane in 2002 as assistant conductor. In 2008, he became resident conductor, taking primary conducting duties for the SuperPops series as well as many of the education concerts.
Get more ‘Tuna’
Interplayers Professional Resident Theatre has extended its production of “Tuna Does Vegas” through Feb. 11.
The addition gives Spokane audiences six more chances to watch Michael Weaver and Patrick Treadway portray the denizens of Tuna, Texas.
“Spokane really loves the Tuna series, and we knew this one was going to be a smash since we were lucky enough to get all three actors back at Interplayers,” said Interplayers Artistic Director Reed McColm in a news release. “Who wouldn’t want to see the Tuna folks collide with the world of Las Vegas, and watch Patrick, Michael and Bill bring it all to life?”
The new dates include a matinee today, evening shows Feb. 8, 9 and 10, and evening and matinee shows on Feb. 11. Tickets are available at the box office, 174 S. Howard St., or by calling the theater at (509) 455-7529. Tickets are also available through TicketsWest at (800) 325-SEAT or .
‘The Voice’ coming to town
Javier Colon, winner of the NBC singing competition “The Voice,” has been booked into the Knitting Factory for a concert on March 8.
Colon spent a decade trying to make it in the music business before getting a shot on “The Voice.” He toured with the Derek Trucks Band for a couple of years and released two albums on Capitol Records. He split with Capitol and self-released an EP in 2010 as he worked to develop his sound, dubbed “acoustic soul.”
His latest record, “Come Through For You,” was released last year on Universal Republic Records. Tickets are $18 and available by calling (877) 4-FLY-TIX and online at www.ticketfly.com or www.knittingfactory.com.
New home for the Queen
“A Conversation with the Queen,” a benefit for the YWCA of Spokane, has been moved from the Star Theatre at Spokane Arena to the INB Performing Arts Center.
The March 22 event features actress and rapper Queen Latifah. Current ticket holders will be contacted by a TicketsWest representative to exchange their tickets. Ticket holders may also contact TicketsWest by calling (800) 325-7328.
Proceeds from the event will support the YWCA’s programs to help women overcome domestic violence, access important services for their children, and secure employment and housing.
Tickets are $50, $75, $100, $150 and $200 and are on sale now at all TicketsWest outlets, www.ticketswest.com or by phone at (800) 325-SEAT.
Discounts are available for groups of 10 or more by calling (509) 777-6253