Welty proved you’re never too old for rock ’n’ roll

As the word of Dr. Elizabeth Welty’s death Tuesday began to get around, many who knew the beloved Spokane arts patron took to social media to express their sadness and share some stories.

Audrey Overstreet, former marketing director for the Spokane Symphony, and current arts correspondent for The Spokesman-Review, posted a photo of Welty with this sentiment: “She loved creative people, especially musicians. She respected them. And supported them like her own. She passed away today, at age 101. I want to be Dr. Welty when I grow up.”

Karen Mobley, former director of the city’s art department, posted on Facebook: “Libby Welty called me up about 20 years ago and said, ‘Karen, I want to give my money to the arts, please help me do it right.’ Well, yes, Libby, you did. She was generous. She was thoughtful. She gave me a run for my money. She was one of the most inspiring people I ever met because she never stopped being curious and learning new things.”

The Musicians of the Spokane Symphony Facebook page shared this message: “Words cannot adequately express all that she has done and all that she means to us in the Symphony family. Her love and support of the arts in Spokane made this city a richer place for us all to live. Rest in peace.”

And Melissa Huggins, executive director of Get Lit, posted this: “I was only lucky enough to meet with Dr. Welty on a few occasions, but she was smart and fiery and hilarious. I have such vivid memories of my first interaction with her; I was so taken with what a commanding presence and sharp intellect this tiny, 96 y/o woman (who needed to grip my arm for support to walk into her home) could possess. Get Lit! was one of the many organizations she contributed to over the years, providing financial support to send authors into local K-12 schools to teach creative writing, ultimately benefiting thousands of kids who received instruction and workshops in creative writing. She’ll be missed by so many in the community. What a full life.”

But the best story just might come from Annie Matlow, longtime former symphony marketing director and spokeswoman. On Thursday, Matlow reminisced about the time then 96-year-old Welty said she wanted to attend a concert at the Fox – of the Canadian pop rock band Barenaked Ladies.

Matlow said her first response to Welty’s request was to point out, “Just so you know, they are neither barenaked nor ladies.” Welty would not be deterred. When Matlow asked if she would be interested in attending the VIP pre-party, Welty replied that of course she would. She and a friend, not wanting to deal with driving, called to hire a Town Car, but it was prom season and all the Town Cars were hired. All that was available was a full stretch limo.

So Welty and her friend got out of a stretch limo in front of the Fox, and Matlow whisked them to the pre-party, where the members of Barenaked Ladies were perfectly lovely to this tiny nonagenarian.

Welty lasted about four songs of the concert that night. She told Matlow she knew it was other people’s thing, but it wasn’t her thing.

If there is one common theme in people’s remembrances of Welty, it’s not her generosity. It was her willingness to try new things, and her unwillingness to remain in her comfort zone.

Perhaps that is the secret to a long and happy life.

A memorial service for Welty will be at 1 p.m. Sept. 23 at First Presbyterian Church, 318 S. Cedar St.

Change in soloist

The Spokane Symphony is set to kick off its 2016-17 season next weekend, but there’s a slight change of plans.

Violinist Phillippe Quint was originally set to perform Torsten Rasch’s “Troppoi” violin concerto with the symphony, but had to cancel due to injury to his finger.

Stepping into the guest soloist slot is Ilya Kaler, who was last in Spokane in 2013, when he performed Samuel Barber’s violin concerto. This time, he’ll play the violin concerto of Ludwig van Beethoven.

The rest of the program remains unchanged. The concert will begin with Richard Strauss’ Suite from “Der Rosenkavalier” and also will feature Ottorino Respighi’s tone poem “Pines of Rome.”

The Respighi is a continuation in essence from May, when the symphony performed the first part of his Rome trilogy, “Fountains of Rome,” during the finale concert of the season.

The symphony performs at 8 p.m. Saturday and 3 p.m. Sunday at the Martin Woldson Theater at the Fox. For more information or tickets, call (509) 624-1200 or visit www.spokanesymphony.org.