It is dangerous to assume simplistic connections between the events in artists' lives and the music they create. Schubert learned that he was seriously ill when he composed his colorful Symphony No. 8, the most romantic of all his symphonies. Facng the news of his inevitable deafness, Beethoven was suicidal while writing his Second Symphony. Yet Berlioz remarked: "this Symphony is smiling throughout." Magical and haunting textures alternate with extraordinary playfulness in the other-worldly masterpiece by Estonian Arvo Pärt. Scored for two solo violins, strings and prepared piano, it is a showcase for Principal Second Violin Amanda Howard-Phillips and Concertmaster Mateusz Wolski.

Spokane Symphony Classics Subscriptions are on Sale now!

Single Tickets go on Sale mid-August 2014. $15-$54