RICHLAND, Wash.– The Mid-Columbia Symphony completed their final rehearsal for Sunday’s holiday concert, and many of the members have been a part of the symphony for decades and plan to be involved for years to come. But for the music director from Chicago, after 17 years, this season is his last.
“It’s been absolutely fantastic. I love it,” said Nicholas Wallin symphony music director and conductor. “But it’s also just a good time to sort of move on to the next chapter for me and for the orchestra to write another chapter in its own history as well.”
Wallin started his role when he was teaching at Washington State University. After taking a job in Chicago, he kept coming back to Tri-Cities for the symphony.
“I believed that we were on a positive trajectory with the orchestra and making good music. And I have friends, he said. “They feel like family. It’s almost like a second home to me after all these years. So, it hasn’t felt like too much of a burden.”
It is his friends who make Wallin’s role so special, including Linda Doria, who has been playing the flute for the symphony for 40 years.
“I’m a music teacher, so I love doing this for people, cheering them up, making their day.,” she said.
Doria said working with Wallin has been a wonderful experience because of how clearly he loves his role, and he knows how to express himself and music to the people that he directs.
Even though Wallin’s directing days are over, he said he still plans to be involved in the music industry, just closer to Chicago.
But, the season is not over yet, and he is looking forward to the Mid-Columbia Master Singers joining the symphony tomorrow, and Wallin will be conducting an acapella piece for them.
“We just want people to feel welcome and feel comforted and supported and enjoy, listening to live symphonic music with choir because it’s a special experience to be able to hear a big orchestra and a big choir all making music together,” he said.
While tomorrow’s concert is sold out, three more are left in the season, and information can be found on the Mid-Columbia Symphony website.
