Northwest BachFest presents four week-long series of concerts each February/March, May, August and December along with a large outdoor concert each July in Spokane's Manito Park. BachFest performances take place primarily in Spokane with occasional concerts in Coeur d'Alene, Idaho, and Walla Walla, Washington.
Mission Statement
The mission of Connoisseur Concerts is to present musical performances of world-class quality utilizing local and visiting artists. Every effort is made to educate and to heighten community appreciation of classical music and music history.
History:
Connoisseur Concerts was organized in 1970 in Spokane, Washington and incorporated as a 501c3 non-profit organization in 1973. The original purpose was to offer a series of chamber music concerts performed on baroque period instruments. The annual Northwest Bach Festival was implemented into the series in 1978. Since the inception of the organization, founded by Beverly Biggs and David Dutton, several world-renowned musicians have held the Artistic Director positions, and consequently the artistic direction has evolved. In 1990 the Board of Trustees evaluated the direction of the organization and chose to concentrate on the annual Northwest Bach Festival and a summer Mozart series in outdoor venues. In 2013 the Northwest Bach Festival contracted with Zuill Bailey to serve as Artistic Director, and he and the Executive Director Gertrude Harvey with enthusiastic support from the community have, in three years, expanded a basic four-concert Festival into a Festival & Series with over 30 programs throughout the year and with a regional presence. The Festival & Series now offers concerts in Walla Walla and Coeur d’Alene, Idaho. In addition, extensive community engagement activities reach a diverse population with free events and programs for those unable to participate in public performances due to illness, limited resources or challenging personal circumstances.
