Bid Farewell to the Olympia Symphony’s Maestro Huw Edwards

Huw Edwards conducts the Olympia Symphony at the outdoor Concert at the Capitol in July 2019. Due to social gathering restrictions, this year's summer concert is replaced with a drive-through farewell parade in honor of Maestro Edwards. Photo courtesy; Olympia Symphony Orchestra
152 Shares

Submitted by Olympia Symphony Orchestra 

After 17 seasons with the Olympia Symphony Orchestra (OSO), Maestro Huw Edwards is stepping down from the podium. Music Director since 2003, Edwards is being honored by the community with a socially-distanced, drive-through parade on the day that would have been his final performance with the orchestra.

The Olympia Symphony was scheduled to perform their traditional outdoor summer concert on July 26 in conjunction with a “Beat Beethoven 5K” event in collaboration with Student Orchestras of Greater Olympia. It was to feature a reprise of Beethoven’s Fifth Symphony, which would have been performed by Edwards at the Washington Center for the Performing Arts in April, at the OSO’s 19-20 season finale concert. Unfortunately, both events, milestones in the OSO’s planned celebratory season for their beloved longtime conductor, were cancelled due to COVID restrictions on public gatherings.

“South Sound classical music lovers have been very fortunate to have Huw as the OSO Music Director for 17 incredible years; it is such a privilege to have a conductor of his caliber be part of our community. We will miss him greatly, wish him all the best, and can’t thank him enough,” said OSO Board President Bill Tweit.

The public will have the opportunity to thank Edwards for his leadership, artistic vision, and friendship on July 26 from 4:00-5:00, at Bean, Gentry, Wheeler & Peternell Law Office at 910 Lakeridge Way SW in Olympia, WA. Guests are invited to drive past, honk, and wave at Maestro Edwards as the community collectively shares their gratitude and wishes him well. A box will be available to deposit notes or cards, or letters can be mailed to: Huw Edwards; c/o Olympia Symphony Orchestra; 3400 Capitol Blvd SE Suite 203; Olympia WA  98501. In addition, notes can be sent via this link, for inclusion in a book of sentiments to be presented to Huw Edwards in August. The deadline to submit a message is July 26.

For more information, please visit the Olympia Symphony Orchestra website.

Print Friendly, PDF & Email
152 Shares