PORT ANGELES — Tickets are available now for a night of celebration, live music and dining on Saturday, Jan. 14, as the Port Angeles Symphony Orchestra holds its 90th anniversary gala at the Naval Elks Lodge ballroom.
The nonprofit community orchestra, now including musicians — of varying ages and backgrounds — from across and beyond the North Olympic Peninsula, played its first notes in 1932. Biz Gehrke of Port Angeles, along with friends who played string and brass instruments, got together in each other’s homes and played light opera music and Sousa marches just for the joy of it.
Today, the 65-member orchestra plays for that same reason: to share joy and transcendent music, said conductor Jonathan Pasternack.
The Port Angeles Symphony String Quartet — Jory Noble, Tyrone Beatty, Morgan Bartholick and Traci Winters Tyson — will play at the January gala, as will jazz pianist and composer Linda Dowdell.
Dowdell, who relocated to Sequim from New York City a decade ago, will bring standup bassist Ted Enderle and drummer Pete Harris with her.
Seating at the Naval Elks Lodge ballroom, at 131 E. First St. in Port Angeles, is limited to 100 guests, with reservations available by calling 360-457-5579 or by emailing pasymphony@olypen.com.
Tickets are $90 and include dinner and beverages, with a choice of prime rib of beef, chicken with prosciutto or vegetarian lasagna.
Pasternack, in his eighth year as maestro and music director, marvels at this milestone.
“The orchestra could not have reached its 90th anniversary — and weathered the height of the pandemic — without the steadfast support from our local community,” he said.
“We are well on our way to presenting our first full season since 2018-2019,” Pasternack added.
The orchestra — and guest soloists — will give chamber orchestra concerts in Sequim and Port Angeles in January and May, and full symphony orchestra concerts in Port Angeles in February, March and May.
Details about the soloists and musical programs can be found at portangelessymphony.org.
