THOMAS DAUSGAARD, MUSIC DIRECTOR
Season Newsletter
YOUR IMPACT IN FOCUS THE MUSIC PLAYS ON BECAUSE OF YOU. Broadcast concerts continue to share comfort, joy and hope with our community. To unleash the power of music, bring people together and lift the human spirit. That is the mission of your Symphony. But what happens when our community can’t be together at Benaroya Hall to experience live performances? With the generous support of donors like you, the music still plays on at the Seattle Symphony. In mid-March, when faced with the cancellation of all public gatherings and the closure of Benaroya Hall in response to the coronavirus pandemic, the orchestra was among the first in the world to continue sharing our music through free online programming and rebroadcasts of previous live concerts. “As musicians, we unite in good times and bad to make music as a community — for our community,” remarked Associate Principal Trumpet Alexander White. “So, to our friends in Seattle and our friends around the world, here is our gift to you in the language we know best: music.” The Symphony’s broadcast concerts launched with Gustav Mahler’s Symphony No. 1 led by Music Director Thomas Dausgaard. “Even though we can’t gather at Benaroya Hall, I’m so happy we’ll still be sharing musical moments together, whether you’re at home in Seattle or halfway across the world,” said Thomas. During the first weekend of programming more than 130,000 viewers joined us from all over the world. The outpouring of support from our community and the messages of hope, compassion and love we received during each of the broadcasts are deeply moving, and a testament to the power of music. In the weeks since that first broadcast the orchestra has shared music by Nielsen, Dvořák, Stravinsky and more. Each performance has been a source of strength, comfort and joy for people here in Seattle and around the world — all possible because of your generosity.
“The wonderful music of the Seattle Symphony brings beauty, inspiration and heart to this community. In troubled times, music can help us cope with complicated issues and emotions. Thank you for continuing to support the public. I hope we can all continue to support you.”
– Vanesa, first-time donor
And the music the orchestra has shared online has not been limited to the rebroadcasts of concerts. Musicians have shared daily musical greetings through Morning Notes and reimagined family programming for an online audience with Tiny Clips for Tiny Tots and Meet the Instrument. Together we can unleash the power of music despite a pandemic. From the musicians who found a new virtual stage to the thousands of caring audience members from around the world who showed their support, our music and our shared mission needs us all. Thank you for standing beside your Symphony.
End the season on a high note! Make your gift by August 31, 2020 and you’ll help ensure a bright future for the orchestra and live symphonic music in Seattle. seattlesymphony.org/donate | 206.215.4832