Celebrate Italian-inspired chamber music on Northwest Focus Live, get an exclusive first listen to the Seattle Symphony’s upcoming Qigang Chen album, and discover free concerts, emerging artists, and inspiring performances across the Pacific Northwest.

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Northwest Focus Live

Doug DeVries, Allison Asthana, & Yvonne Chen

Friday, August 7th | 7pm 

Host: Sean MacLean 

This week on Northwest Focus Live, flutists Doug DeVries and Allison Asthana join pianist Yvonne Chen for a program inspired by Italy’s rich musical tradition. Highlights include Stravinsky’s Suite Italienne in a flute-and-piano arrangement, Donizetti’s Flute Sonata, and additional Italian-inspired works for flute and piano. Following the broadcast, the trio will perform the program at the National Flute Association Convention in Portland.

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Broadcast Concert

Seattle Symphony: Qigang Chen

Friday, August 7th | 8pm 

Host: Dave Beck

This week’s Broadcast Concert offers an exclusive first listen to the Seattle Symphony’s upcoming album, featuring Music Director Xian Zhang leading two works by composer Qigang Chen. Recorded live at Benaroya Hall, Iris Dévoilée (Iris Unveiled) and L’Éloignement reflect Chen’s distinctive musical voice, blending Eastern and Western traditions. The recording, released August 21, marks the first Seattle Symphony Media album with Xian Zhang as Music Director.

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Northwest Focus Concert Calendar  

Find local concerts in your community at: https://classicalking.org/nw-focus-concert-calendar  

Listen Live at Lunch: Ben Roidl-Ward, bassoon & Keith Ward, piano

Wednesday, August 5 | 12pm | First Lutheran Church Tacoma, Tacoma

Take a midday musical break as bassoonist Ben Roidl-Ward and pianist Keith Ward perform a free lunchtime concert as part of Tacoma’s Listen Live at Lunch series. Held at First Lutheran Church Tacoma, this hour-long performance is part of a weekly concert series that showcases classical music and other genres in a welcoming community setting.

Unbound Symphony Trio: Chamber Music Pop-Up at Met Tract Plaza

Wednesday, August 5 | 12pm | Met Tract Plaza, Seattle

Enjoy a free lunchtime performance in downtown Seattle as clarinetist Jenny Ziefel, oboist Shelly Myers, and bassoonist Samantha Epp present chamber music as part of the Met Tract Summer Sounds concert series. Presented by Unbound Symphony, the pop-up concert highlights the organization’s mission to support women and gender-marginalized artists while bringing accessible live classical music to the community.

Pacific Northwest Conducting Institute Festival Concert

Friday, August 7 | 7:30pm | Whidbey Island Center for the Arts, Langley

Experience an evening of orchestral favorites as the Pacific Northwest Conducting Institute concludes its annual summer workshop with a festival concert featuring Whidbey’s Saratoga Orchestra. Led by the institute’s emerging conductors, the program includes music by Beethoven, Ethel Smyth, Gabriela Lena Frank, and Mendelssohn, celebrating the next generation of orchestral leadership.

Rising Waters Collective: Songs of Resilience

Saturday, August 8 | 7pm | ArtLove Salon, Seattle

Experience the world premiere of Songs of Resilience, a new dramatic song cycle by acclaimed American composer Sheila Silver. Presented by Rising Waters Collective, the program gives voice to stories of courage, conscience, and hope through music inspired by people confronting social, political, and humanitarian challenges around the world.

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The Score with Edmund Stone  

Talisman 

Saturday, August 8 | 4pm  

They ward off evil, they bring you luck, they are imbued with magical powers… they are talismans. People have been using them for millennia, and movies love them. Join Edmund Stone for a Score filled with cinematic mojo of these mysterious charms including the One Ring from Lord of the Rings, the endlessly spinning top in Inception, the Time Stone from Doctor Strange and more.

Summer Blockbusters 2026

Sunday, August 9 | 4pm  

Get ready for some of the biggest films of the year with Edmund Stone’s annual celebration of Summer Blockbusters on The Score! Match wits with The Sheep Detectives, step into myths and legends with The Odyssey, join the Force with The Mandalorian and Grogu – and more. The lineup is packed with great entertainment and great music. 

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Stay inspired and enjoy another week of incredible music on Classical KING!