Seattle Youth Symphony Orchestra (SYSO) is thrilled to announce the Marrowstone Music Festival is traveling to Bellingham for an evening of orchestral music at the Western Washington University (WWU) PAC Concert Hall on Wednesday, July 31, at 7 PM. This one-night-only event is free and open to the public, offering a unique opportunity to experience world-class performances by advanced student musicians.
Founded in 1943, the Marrowstone Music Festival has a long and rich history of nurturing young musical talent. WWU was home to the festival for many years prior to the pandemic, so SYSO is thrilled to return for this concert, celebrating the enduring connection with the university, Bellingham, and the local community.
The concert will feature an exhilarating repertoire, including Sergei Prokofiev's Violin Concerto No. 1, with world-renowned violinist and SYSO alum Simone Porter as the featured soloist. The evening will also include Leonard Bernstein’s Overture to “Candide” and Igor Stravinsky’s enchanting Firebird Suite (1919 version).
Don’t miss this extraordinary opportunity to witness the next generation of musical talent in a stunning evening of orchestral masterpieces. Join us for an unforgettable night of music with the Marrowstone Music Festival.
Event Details:
Location: PAC Concert Hall, Western Washington University
Date & Time: Wednesday, July 31 at 7 PM
Tickets: Free and open to the public, no ticket required
About Marrowstone Music Festival:
The Marrowstone Music Festival, a program of the Seattle Youth Symphony Orchestra (SYSO) founded in 1943, is a prestigious two-week intensive orchestral training program for advanced student musicians. The festival is dedicated to providing an unparalleled educational experience for young musicians, nurturing their talents and preparing them for professional careers in music. The festival’s rigorous program and distinguished faculty ensure that participants receive top-tier instruction and mentorship.
Led by the esteemed Music Director Juan Felipe Molano, the festival offers a comprehensive daily schedule filled with rehearsals, chamber music sessions, and opportunities to study under world-class faculty through coachings and masterclasses. This immersive experience allows musicians to delve deeply into their craft while forming lasting friendships.
About Seattle Youth Symphony Orchestra (SYSO):
Founded in 1942, Seattle Youth Symphony Orchestra is the largest youth orchestra training program in the United States, empowering youth through exceptional music education. Serving a diverse student body each year, SYSO offers seven orchestras, two summer festival programs, a conservatory, and partnerships with local public schools. Committed to accessibility, SYSO provides tuition assistance to ensure that all students can experience life-changing music opportunities, regardless of financial resources.
About soloist Simone Porter:
Violinist Simone Porter has been recognized as an emerging artist of impassioned energy, interpretive integrity, and vibrant communication. In the past few years, she has debuted with the New York Philharmonic, the Philadelphia Orchestra, and the Los Angeles Philharmonic, and has performed with a number of renowned conductors, including Stéphane Denève, Gustavo Dudamel, Yannick Nézet-Séguin, Nicholas McGegan, Ludovic Morlot, and Donald Runnicles. Born in 1996, Simone made her professional solo debut at age 10 with the Seattle Symphony and her international debut with the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra in London at age 13. In March 2015, Simone was named a recipient of an Avery Fisher Career Grant.
