Press Release from Coeur d’Alene Symphony Orchestra
COEUR d’ALENE, Idaho – On October 5th, 2024, the Coeur d’Alene Symphony Orchestra invites the community to experience a unique celebration of Native American culture through music at the “Celebrating Our Homelands” concert. The event will take place at 7:30 p.m. at the North Idaho College Schuler Auditorium/Boswell Hall, highlighting the profound artistry of Native American musicians and composers.
This special concert features the world premiere of a new Bassoon Concerto by Connor Chee, an acclaimed Navajo pianist and composer known for his evocative compositions that weave traditional Navajo songs with classical music elements. Chee, a graduate of the Eastman School of Music and the University of Cincinnati’s College-Conservatory of Music, has been recognized for his innovative approach to music that honors his heritage. His most recent albums, including The Navajo Piano and Scenes from Dinétah, have won awards and acclaim for their unique blend of classical and Native American musical traditions.
Dr. Jacqueline Wilson, a distinguished bassoonist and member of the Muscogee (Creek) Nation, who will perform the premiere of Chee’s new Bassoon Concerto. Dr. Wilson is known for her expressive playing and dedication to promoting underrepresented voices in classical music. She is the Principal Bassoonist of the Washington Idaho Symphony, Assistant Professor of Bassoon at Washington State University, and has performed at international conferences, collaborated with Indigenous composers, and released her debut album, Works for the Bassoon by Native American Composers.
“This concert is a unique opportunity to experience the richness of Native American culture and music,” says Danh Pham, Music Director of the Coeur d’Alene Symphony Orchestra. “We are thrilled to bring together such talented artists as Connor Chee and Jacqueline Wilson, whose work embodies the beauty and depth of Indigenous music.”
In addition to Chee’s Bassoon Concerto, the program will include works by other composers known for their nationalistic styles: Overture to The Wreckers by Ethyl Smith Andante and Hungarian Rondo by C.M. Weber Symphony No. 8 by Antonio Dvorak.
Located in the heart of the Coeur d’Alene Tribe’s homeland, the Coeur d’Alene Symphony Orchestra is honored to present this concert as a tribute to the cultural heritage of Native American music and musicians. We invite the community to join us in this celebration and experience the powerful voices of Native American artists.
Visit cdasymphony.org and consider a season ticket for our 2024/25 Celebrating Community series, featuring five unforgettable concerts.
For more information, please contact: Coeur d’Alene Symphony Orchestra
Email: office@cdasymphony.org
Phone: 208.765.3833
