Mt. Baker Theatre

Today Wayne and I went to the Mt. Baker Theatre to hear the Whatcom Symphony Orchestra. It was a double first for us. We have been by the theatre many times, but have never been inside. And, we were among a sellout crowd for the Whatcom Symphony Orchestra's Classical Concert called Winter Romance.

The theatre is an historic building in downtown Bellingham (104 N. Commercial Street). It first opened in 1927 as one of the palatial Fox West Coast Theatres. It is still a wonderful venue for plays, concerts and much more. The exterior is very distinctive. The red capped bell tower can be seen from blocks away. Inside, it is a classic, ornate theatre with a large overhanging balcony, floor to ceiling drapes and scrollwork mouldings. Up above, there is a beautiful dome and chandelier.

The Whatcom Symphony Orchestra began in 1975. It's current Artistic Director and Conductor is Dr. Roger Briggs. Each year there are seven concerts from October through May. I especially enjoyed today's presentation because it included a portion of the Peer Gynt Suite by Edvard Grieg. He was a Norwegian composer in the late 1800s. I can remember my grandmother (born in Norway) playing some of his works on the piano. In addition, we got to hear Nadja Salerno-Sonnenberg play as the guest violinist. Her talent is amazing and the sounds from her violin are captivating. If you ever get a chance to hear her play, do attend. -- Margy