The Fox: An Inspiration for Music
Home of the Spokane Symphony and Much More
As the Music Director of the Spokane Symphony, Eckart Preu remembers the day he led the orchestra in the newly restored Martin Woldson Theater at The Fox. “Moving into the Fox, for me, was like moving into your dream house,” Preu said.
It was on November 17, 2007, that the Spokane Symphony held its first concert at the newly restored Martin Woldson Theater at The Fox after two community-wide fund-raising campaigns. The Symphony had purchased the 1931 movie house in 2000, saving the Spokane landmark from being turned into a parking lot, while providing the Symphony a home that enhances its performances with superb acoustics.
“The Fox Theater changed the way we play, and I think it changed the way the audience can listen to us. As a musician, you are only as good as your instrument. A violinist can play any violin, but if you have a Stradivarius, you try to live up to that quality. For us as an orchestra, The Fox is like that. The hall inspires us to do things we were not able to do before,” Preu said.
Preu, who is in his 14th season with the Spokane Symphony, told us that highlights of the past ten years include the 2007 opening gala with mezzo-soprano Frederica von Stade, the 2009 recording session with renowned baritone Thomas Hampson, and last season’s Verdi Requiem with the Spokane Symphony Chorale and choruses from Eastern Washington and Gonzaga universities.
“Since we’ve moved to The Fox, our playing, the quality, the delicacy and the sound of the orchestra, has changed dramatically because we want to fill this hall. We live in an age where you can pick up any performance you want on YouTube or iTunes, but there is something about being in a concert hall and hearing a live performance that recordings cannot match.
When you sit in The Fox with a thousand or more people, with 200 people on stage, there is a human connection being made. No matter if you have the best recording. It cannot replicate what happens live. The music goes deeper into the soul, and I think when we come here to The Fox we take care of our souls,” Preu said.
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Foundations for The Future
We invite you to take part in Foundations for the Future campaign which helps support the ongoing maintenance needs of The Fox and a vibrant Spokane Symphony. With your help, the years to come will be filled with a variety of performances and educational opportunities that transform and enrich lives in the Inland Northwest. Please consider a generous gift to support The Fox as a cultural center and make a powerful difference in our local community. Visit spokanesymphony.org/donate
Limited edition Fox 10 Apparel
Just in…two limited-edition 100% silk scarves, designed by local artist Chris Bovey, are available through November and December while quantities last. Now you can take a piece of The Fox’s beautiful interior and brighten up your wardrobe. A great gift idea… Order online at foxtheaterspokane.org.
Wish List
To maintain a state-of-the-art facility, the Fox Technology wish list includes:
Audio console: $30,000
Projectors: $30,000
Wireless mics: $10,000
TVs (12): $6,000
Recording equipment: $5,700
Lighting console: $5,000
Inside Needs:
Theater lighting: $40,000
Stage refinishing:$5,000
Paint touch-ups: $2,000
Outside Needs:
Outside projectors: $10,000
Help fulfill one of these wishes! Your generous support can maintain The Fox’s stature in our community. Please contact Spokane Symphony Development at (509) 464 7071 or jenniferhicks@spokanesymphony.org.
New Fox Family Series…Excitement For All Ages
In honor of the 10th anniversary of The Fox restoration, a new Fox Family Series started this fall with three selections that appeal to all ages. Each show starts at 7 p.m., so no one is out too late (neither young children nor tired parents!).
The Series kicked off with the Underwater Bubble Show on October 13, a modern fairy tale from Latvia, inspired by Cirque du Soleil. It was a rich blend of storytelling, music, dancing, mime, puppetry, juggling and lots of bubble artistry.
The Peking Acrobats are next in the Fox Family Series, performing on January 24 for one show only. For the last 30 years, the Peking Acrobats have traveled the world, entertaining audiences with their precision tumbling, gymnastics, flexibility and control. Accompanied by high tech special effects, plus musicians playing traditional Chinese instruments, this will be a memorable evening with all the festive pageantry of a Chinese carnival.
The Fox Family Series concludes with Rockin’ Road to Dublin on March 10 at The Fox. World champion Irish dancer Scott Doherty, the choreographer and star of Riverdance and Lord of the Dance, has teamed up with veteran Celtic rocker Chris Smith for an evening of classic Irish tunes, accented with rock ‘n’ roll, an exhilarating variety of Irish dance and a dynamic light show.
Tickets are available at the Box Office at Martin Woldson Theater at The Fox, 1001 W. Sprague Avenue, or by calling (509) 624-1200. Tickets may also be purchased online at foxtheaterspokane.org, and at all TicketsWest outlets and 1-800-325-SEAT.
Looking Back—What it Took to Save The Fox
The Fox Theater was almost demolished in 2000 to make way for a parking lot. But the community worked hard for years to save it, raising $31 million and pouring endless creativity, energy and passion into the project.
“We were saving it as a cultural icon at a time when downtown Spokane’s future was not as certain as it is today. The Fox meant so much to our community. So many of us had gone to movies there as children; gone on first dates that later led to marriages that we cherish. Those memories really resonated with me as something that needed to be saved. I love that The Fox restoration is an example of what a community can do when it comes together. That’s the true value of the place. It’s an example of great Art Deco architecture, and it’s a wonderful home for the Spokane Symphony, but the most incredible thing about it is that Spokane came together to save it and restore it in such a wonderful way.”
— Bill Simer, CPA, partner at Eide Bailly, co-chair, Fox 10th Anniversary Gala, former Spokane Symphony President 2003-2005
“Looking back, The Fox really got into our hearts. It was more than just a building project. The first thing that got me was the architecture. I love Art Deco, and this building was so out of the norm for Spokane. There’s the famous architect who designed it—Robert Reamer who also did the Old Faithful Inn at Yellowstone. The second thing was the great stories: stars that performed at The Fox, everyone who went to the movies there, and had their first kiss there. And the fact that it was downtown, and The Fox could be an economic driver for the city. It all spoke to me, and it just couldn’t be another parking lot. I go into The Fox now and just smile when I look at that sunburst on the ceiling. People are so proud of The Fox. There’s great ownership of it, and we can’t imagine not having it now.”
— Betsy Godlewski, development director, Northwest Museum of Arts & Culture, former Fox Theater Campaign Director, board member and volunteer, co-writer of nomination that resulted in The Fox going on the National Register of Historic Places in 2001
Thanks to our many community supporters who restored The Fox and those who have helped it thrive in the past decade! Your generous donations of dollars and time keep the performing arts alive and well at Martin Woldson Theater at The Fox in Spokane.
The Fox’s Walk of Stars on Monroe and Sprague acknowledges the generous donations and contributions of many Fox Theater and Spokane Symphony supporters. On October 20, 2017, nine new stars were unveiled, honoring Doug and Gail Belanger, David and Vernice Cohen, Joan Degerstrom, Bert and Patricia Ewers, Mr. and Mrs. John F. Kelley, Sherry and Frank Knott, Merrill O’Brien, Susan and Jim Palm, and Lorrie and Paul Scott. We invite you to stroll along the Walk of Stars to see all 55 names.
A campaign is underway to honor beloved Spokane Symphony pianist and music educator, Kendall Feeney, with a sidewalk star. She passed away in March at age 58 from cancer. Kendall did so much to make music accessible and fun for students and audiences alike. So far, $14,600 has been donated toward the goal. To help fund Kendall’s star, visit spokanesymphony.org/kendall.
For information on the stars, and how to help The Fox thrive for generations to come, please contact jenniferhicks@spokanesymphony.org
Celebrate the Fox in November
November 3: 3-5 p.m. Thomas Hampson Master Class for Vocalists
The internationally renowned baritone gives four local students feedback & tips.
November 3: 6 p.m. 10th Anniversary Gala Celebrating The Fox Restoration
Special Guests Maestro Eckart Preu and Thomas Hampson
November 4: 8 p.m. and 3 p.m. November 5 Overtures and Arias with Thomas Hampson, including selections from the American Songbook.
November 11: 8 p.m. Mambo Kings
This Latin jazz quintet has earned a national reputation for their explosive blend of Afro-Cuban rhythms and contemporary jazz improvisation.
November 12: 1-3:30 p.m. Tour the Fox (See pullout)
November 30-December 3 The Spokane Symphony kicks off the holiday season with “The Nutcracker” with Santa Barbara-based State Street Ballet
For information and tickets, call the Box Office at (509) 624-1200, or visit foxtheaterspokane.org.
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