Last year was filled with drama for the Everett Symphony. The venerable orchestra's 71st season was plagued by financial turmoil, leading to the eventual decision to cancel the final concerts and break its contract with popular long-time conductor Dr. Paul-Elliott Cobbs.

In the music vacuum that followed, the Everett Philharmonic Orchestra was born, with Cobbs back at the podium and many Everett Symphony musicians among its ranks.

Meanwhile, the symphony's Board of Directors assembled a community advisory council, made up of more than 60 interested citizens and community leaders and headed by Bob Drewel, to help the organization find a way to regroup and become self-sustaining. As a result, the nonprofit music organization has refocused its mission, striving for "artistic citizenship."

"Artistic citizenship means that our organization participates in strengthening our community beyond performing music," explained board president Roger Pawley.

"Right now we are engaged in our first artistic citizenship project," Pawley continued. "Along with a team from other community arts groups, community members and volunteers, we are working everyday on a very low budget/high value transformation project in the Everett Mall. We are constructing rehearsal, office and performance spaces to benefit the entire community. It is artistic citizenship projects like this that will make us an indispensable community resource."

The Everett Symphony will not present a full season of concerts this year as it focuses on restructuring and building partnerships. However, a patriotic concert is planned for Monday, August 30, at 7:45 p.m. at the Evergreen State Fairgrounds.

Entitled "Summon Our Heroes: A Tribute Show of Support," the concert celebrates the heroes who protect and serve in the military, as well as local law enforcement, fire department and emergency responders. Drewel will act as master of ceremonies for the musical evening, which will include performances by Washington State Patrol officer Tim Coley, Monroe police officer and bagpipe musician Bryon Johnston, fan favorite Gerry Andal, and a vocal ensemble from the Everett Chorale featuring Beth El-Fattal.

Tickets to the concert, which include fair admission if purchased before the day of the performance, are $18 for adults and free for those 15 and under with paid admission to the fair. Advance tickets are on sale at ticketmaster.com, all Ticketmaster outlets and by calling (800) 745-3000. Tickets can also be purchased at the fair box office with no service charges. Discounts are available for police, fire and emergency responders and all military personnel, whether active or retired.

For more information, visit www.everettsymphony.org.

 

Photo of featured vocalist Beth El-Fattal. Courtesy of Jenni El-Fattal.