Spokane Symphony

The Spokane Symphony is a distinguished cultural institution that has played a significant role in the artistic life of Spokane, Washington. Established in the mid-20th century, the Symphony has been dedicated to enriching, inspiring, and transforming the lives of people through music, community engagement, and education, regardless of their background and identity. The Symphony's history is closely intertwined with that of the Martin Woldson Theater at The Fox, an architectural and cultural landmark in Spokane. The original Fox Theater was built in 1931 during the Great Depression by Fox West Coast Theaters. Designed by architect Robert Reamer, known for Yellowstone National Park’s Old Faithful Inn, the Theater was an embodiment of the Art Deco style, featuring intricate murals by Anthony Heinsbergen and advanced movie technology for its time. It was the first air-conditioned building in Spokane and had a seating capacity of 2,300, making it the largest theater in the city. Throughout its early years, the Fox Theater was a hub for entertainment, hosting live performances by notable figures such as Katharine Hepburn, Marian Anderson, Bing Crosby, and Frank Sinatra, as well as the Community Concerts subscription series, which brought world-class musicians to its stage. From 1968 to 1974, the Spokane Symphony performed at the Fox Theater as their principal venue. However, by the 1970s, the theater began to experience a decline as audiences moved to suburban cinemas. In 1975, the balcony was divided into two smaller theaters, and the venue transitioned to showing budget and second-run movies. After nearly 70 years of operation, the Fox Theater faced demolition in 2000 to make way for a parking lot. The turning point for the theater came with a comprehensive restoration project. The Martin Woldson Theater at The Fox was fully renovated and reopened in November 2007, with a reduced seating capacity of approximately 1,600. The renovation included mechanical, plumbing, electrical, and ADA upgrades, as well as the restoration of the original Art Deco murals and hand-painted fire curtain, with funding from grants such as Save America’s Treasures and the National Endowment for the Arts. Today, the Martin Woldson Theater at The Fox stands as a testament to the city's commitment to preserving its historical and cultural heritage. It is owned and operated by the Spokane Symphony and serves as the Symphony's permanent home. The theater is also a venue for other local performing arts organizations and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the Spokane Register, and the Washington Heritage Register. The Spokane Symphony continues to be a vital part of the community, offering a range of concerts, educational programs, and community engagement initiatives. Its mission is to foster a greater sense of togetherness and appreciation for the arts among the diverse population of Spokane and the surrounding region.