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== Spokane Symphony == The Spokane Symphony is a preeminent musical institution that has been an integral part of Spokane’s cultural landscape. With a mission to enrich, inspire, and transform lives through music, community engagement, and education, the Symphony is dedicated to reaching audiences of all backgrounds and identities. === History === The Spokane Symphony has a storied history, particularly intertwined with the iconic Martin Woldson Theater at The Fox. On September 3, 1931, the original Fox Theater opened its doors amidst a grand celebration marking Spokane’s Golden Jubilee. The event attracted a crowd of 30,000 people and featured celebrities and movie stars such as Charles Farrell, Janet Gaynor, Anita Page, Will Rogers, and Rosemarie. Designed by architect Robert Reamer in the Art Deco style, the Theater became a beacon of modernity and entertainment during the Great Depression, boasting 2,300 seats and the distinction of being the first air-conditioned building in Spokane. The Fox Theater, constructed to accommodate both vaudeville and the emerging "talkies," featured a full-height stage house, orchestra pit, and dressing rooms. Its advanced movie technology and stunning interior, including murals by Anthony Heinsbergen, made it the largest and most prestigious venue in Spokane. Over the years, it hosted performances by luminaries such as Katharine Hepburn, Marian Anderson, Bing Crosby, and Frank Sinatra. From 1968 to 1974, the Spokane Symphony performed at the Fox Theater, which became their principal venue. However, as suburban movie theaters gained popularity, the Fox Theater experienced a decline. In 1975, the balcony was divided into two smaller theaters, and the building transitioned to showing budget and second-run movies. By 2000, the Theater was at risk of demolition. === Restoration === Recognizing the historical and cultural value of the Fox Theater, efforts were made to save and restore it. The Spokane Symphony played a pivotal role in these efforts, and the Theater was fully renovated and reopened in November 2007 as the Martin Woldson Theater at The Fox. The renovation included mechanical, plumbing, electrical, and ADA upgrades, as well as the restoration of the Theater's original Art Deco murals and hand-painted fire curtain, with support from a Save America’s Treasures grant and the National Endowment for the Arts. === The Fox Theater Today === The Martin Woldson Theater at The Fox now serves as a mid-sized performance venue with approximately 1,600 seats. It is the home of the Spokane Symphony and several other local performing arts organizations. The Theater is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the Spokane Register, and the Washington Heritage Register, celebrating its historical significance and continued role in the arts community. The Spokane Symphony continues to perform at The Fox, offering a range of concerts and events, educational programs, and community engagement initiatives. The organization's commitment to artistic excellence and community involvement ensures that the Spokane Symphony and Martin Woldson Theater at The Fox remain central to Spokane's cultural identity. == Contact Information == For further information, ticket purchases, or to engage with the Spokane Symphony and The Fox Theater, individuals can reach out via the following: - Ticket Office: 1001 W Sprague Ave, Spokane, WA 99201; Phone: 509-624-1200 - Admin Office: 818 W Riverside Ave. Mezzanine, Spokane, WA 99201; Phone: 509-326-3136 - Mailing Address: P.O. BOX 365, Spokane, WA 99210 == External Links == - [Official Website of the Spokane Symphony](https://www.spokanesymphony.org) - [Martin Woldson Theater at The Fox](https://www.foxtheaterspokane.com) == References == - Spokane Symphony Annual Report - National Register of Historic Places - Spokane Register - Washington Heritage Register - KSPS Documentary: Spokane’s 21st Century Fox [[Category:Orchestras]] [[Category:Music in Washington (state)]] [[Category:Culture of Spokane, Washington]] [[Category:Art Deco architecture in Washington (state)]]