Community Calendar

The Italian composer Luigi Boccherini was attached to the Court of the Spanish Infante, Luis Antonio (1727–85), brother of King Charles III of Spain (1759–88). For having married a common citizen, King Charles exiled the Infante from the Madrid Court to the Arenas de San Pedro palace in Ávila province. As a courtier of Luis Antonio, Boccherini joined the exile, and found himself with much time for composition, and there completed more than one hundred quintets for various instruments.

Of the ‘Musica notturna delle strade di Madrid’, Boccherini wrote: ”The piece is absolutely useless, even ridiculous, outside Spain, because the audience cannot hope to understand its significance, nor the performers to play it as it should be played.” We will do our best to prove Boccherini wrong! The music appears in the 2003 feature film 'Master and Commander: The Far Side of the World'.

This dynamic Baroque ensemble is indeed creating a ruckus, with their visceral and playful approach to early music.

Featuring two brilliant soloists, flutist Emi Ferguson and violinist Rachell Ellen Wong, Ruckus will bring us a rousing concert featuring instrumental music of Handel and his contemporary, the English former slave Ignatius Sancho, a remarkable figure in late 18th Century London and prolific composer of dance music.

This dynamic Baroque ensemble is indeed creating a ruckus, with their visceral and playful approach to early music.

Featuring two brilliant soloists, flutist Emi Ferguson and violinist Rachell Ellen Wong, Ruckus will bring us a rousing concert featuring instrumental music of Handel and his contemporary, the English former slave Ignatius Sancho, a remarkable figure in late 18th Century London and prolific composer of dance music.

“. . . achingly delicate one moment, incisive and punchy the next . . . a fizzing, daring display of personality and imagination.” – New York Times

“. . . not simply a new level, but a revelatory new dimension of dynamism altogether. “ – the Boston Musical Intellegencer

Doors Open at 7:00 pm.
Show at 7:30 pm.

The Pacific Baroque Festival concludes with a Choral Evensong Service at Christ Church Cathedral, featuring the sacred music of the Hapsburg era. This is a non-ticketed event; voluntary offerings are appreciated.

Antonio Vivaldi (1678 - 1741) - Magnificat RV 610

Alexander Utendal (1543/5 - 1581) - Nunc dimittis

Francisco Valls (1665 - 1747) - Te lucis ante terminum

Up next on First Thursday: Join on March 5, 2026 from 12:15 - 12:45 pm, at St. Paul's Episcopal Church, 323 Catherine Street, Walla Walla WA, for a program entitled "Romantic Voices: Selections for Violin and Piano" to be performed by violinist Amy Dodds and pianist Jonathan Spatola-Knoll, presenting a cross section of pieces from the Romantic era! Free will offerings to benefit the Blue Mountain Humane Society. Bring a bag lunch and enjoy!

Friday Night Out Concert Series presents guitarists Neil and Tamara Caulkins in a concert of all new music written for their duo. The four pieces on the program were written by composers from four corners of the United States: Michael Young in the Pacific Northwest, R. Michael Daugherty in the Southeast, Bruce Reiprich in the Southwest, and Martin Kennedy in the Northeast.
The event is free and open to the public. A suggested donation of $20/household – which goes directly to the artists – is greatly appreciated. Enjoy refreshments and a time to meet the artists following the concert.

LAWRENCE GOLAN, conductor
MARK KOSOWER, cello
BRIAN HILLYARD, viola

RICHARD STRAUSS Don Quixote
JOHANN BAPTIST STRAUSS JR. Spanish March, Op. 433
MANUEL DE FALLA El sombrero de tres picos, Suites No. 1 & 2

Don Quixote brings the passion and vibrancy of Spanish culture to life through music. Richard
Strauss’ Don Quixote, a vivid symphonic poem, tells the tale of Cervantes’ legendary knight
through rich orchestral storytelling, featuring Mark Kosower, renowned Principal Cello of the Cleveland Orchestra as Don Quixote and our Principal Violist Brian Hillyard as his loyal squire, Sancho Panza. The program also includes Johann Strauss Jr’s lively Spanish March and Manuel de Falla’s ballet El sombrero de tres picos (The Three-Cornered Hat), a masterpiece of Spanish rhythm and color. This concert is a thrilling celebration of Spain’s musical heritage.

LAWRENCE GOLAN Conductor
WYLIE GUSTAFSON Featured Artist

Saddle up for a thrilling musical journey through the heart of the American West with special guest Wylie Gustafson! This program blends the rugged spirit of the frontier, through a concert of cowboy songs, yodeling and iconic Americana classical works like Copland's Rodeo.

MARLENE URBAY GUEST CONDUCTOR

Experience the rich musical traditions of Spain and Latin America in a program bursting with passion, rhythm, and cultural vibrancy. From the fiery fandango of Spain to the lively merengue of Santo Domingo, each piece brings a unique flavor. Feel the pulse of Brazil’s sambas, the romance of Argentina’s tango, and the joyous spirit of Mexico’s Huapango and Danzón No. 2. With dazzling melodies and infectious rhythms, this concert is a thrilling celebration of Latin American heritage, musical brilliance, and dance!

LAWRENCE GOLAN CONDUCTOR

YAKIMA SYMPHONY CHORUS | STEVEN S. SLUSHER CHORUSMASTER

MOLLY HOLLERAN SOPRANO

KARL E. HEDLUND TENOR

JEREMY IRLAND BARITONE

STRAUSS JR. Wine, Women, and Song
ORFF Carmina Burana

Carl Orff’s Carmina Burana is one of the most electrifying and recognizable choral works of the 20th century. This powerful oratorio, featuring orchestra, chorus, and vocal soloists, is a raw and dramatic celebration of fate, fortune, and earthly pleasures.

Unlike many traditional oratorios rooted in sacred themes, Carmina Burana is entirely secular, based on medieval poems about love, revelry, and the unpredictability of life. To complement the evening’s theme, the program also includes Johann Strauss Jr’s Wine, Women, and Song, a lively waltz that echoes the spirit of Orff’s masterpiece.