– Director’s Notes: January 2019 –

Hello and a very Happy New Year to each of you, from Peterson Conservatory! We had a very strong start to the season, with many new musicians registering, and several excellent recitals by our students!

In 2018 we enjoyed so many worthy musical events:
 
Into the Woods with META Theatre group, which I conducted with Starry Night Chamber Orchestra – Tommy Johnson at the piano.
 
North Stars Chamber Orchestra Concert Tour to Ireland – I will soon write a full report of this absolutely entrancing experience – just suffice it to say that it was unbelievably rich in culture and art. Thank you, musicians, for your great attitudes, patience, talent, and friendships.
 
Sounds of Summer Music Festival in July, produced by PCMA, featuring Jupiter from Holst’s suite – The Planets. Sean McCarthy-Grant used six timpani in a spectacular performance, and the campers and staff performed with great vigor and style.
 
Salish Sea New Music Concert Series:  Jeffrey Cohan – Artistic Director and flute, Bill Smith – Clarinet and Composer, Sharyn Peterson – Violin/Voice.
 
Beautiful and exciting Concerts (8 total!) by our affiliated Youth Symphonies,  Mt. Baker and Fidalgo, both of which are peopled by many PCMA musicians!
 
The Benaroya Concert in Seattle with pianist Richard Clayderman for five of our advanced students – approximately 2,700 in attendance!
 
Handel’s Messiah – Starry Night Chamber Orchestra performed with the Lynden Choral Society in their 100th year of consecutive yearly performances of this great masterpiece. 
 
The newly formed Selah Ensemble performed at Trinity Anglican EVENSONG Services in October, November, and December!
 
Amahl and the Night Visitors, our holiday opera, which Starry Night Orchestra and Soloists performed in December at the Lincoln Theatre. Fantastic job, everyone, especially our wonderful leads: Avah Moles, Karson Englund, Jacob Lann, Charles Robert Stephens, Ben Maes, and Mike Marlin. What a pleasure to work with you all!
 
Christmas Eve Midnight Mass at St. Mary’s in Anacortes: Malcolm Peterson – trumpet, Sharyn Peterson – violin, Tara Weaver – violin/viola, Matt Rehfedlt – cello.

        ….. as well as many more, interesting and rewarding smaller concerts and events!

THANK YOU DEAR MUSICIANS AND FAMILIES, FOR YOUR CONTINUED PARTICIPATION AND SUPPORT OF THESE IMPORTANT MUSICAL HAPPENINGS! KEEP UP THE FINE WORK.

Sharyn Peterson
Artistic/Executive Director

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