MusicFest Northwest expresses its deepest gratitude to alumni Christopher Lee Anderson and Johnny Curtis for their incredible performances at the Fox Theatre in our first SSO pre-concert recital, which preceded the Spokane Symphony’s Masterworks 3 concert on Sunday, November 3. At MFNW, our passion extends beyond festival week. We are committed to amplifying and uplifting our young musicians even after the festival concludes.  

During the process of collaborating on this short pre-concert performance, we had the opportunity to speak with Christopher and Johnny. Our discussion centered around their personal experiences with MusicFest and how music intertwines with their daily lives. Both musicians, Johnny and Christopher, are multi-year alumni of our programs. Johnny, who has performed with us for the past two years, expressed his appreciation for “the camaraderie of the festival”. He found fulfillment in sharing classes with fellow participants throughout the week. Johnny emphasized the significance of building connections with other artists, describing it as an invaluable and unique experience, saying that “building connections with people in similar places as me was invaluable, and an experience unlike any other I’ve had…you come out at the end feeling like you know each other in some way.” It’s inspiring to witness the strong bonds and community fostered among these young artists through MusicFest.  

Our pride in Christopher and Johnny’s dedication to their craft is amplified by the invaluable feedback they received from our esteemed visiting artists. Their diligent practice was evident during their performance on November 3. Christopher Anderson cherishes the advice he received in 2019 on bowing techniques, which enhanced the beauty of “The Boy Paganini Fantasia” by Edward Mollenhauer. At last year’s festival, Johnny was particularly grateful for the advice he got on the art of “spotting” while singing. This technique involves making a visual reference point to enhance dramatization. His recent renditions of “Ideale” and “Gentle Airs, Melodious Strains” showcased the effort and reflection he has put in this year. 

MusicFest is honored by the positive impact our esteemed visiting artists’ feedback has had on Christopher and Johnny’s musical journey. Our vision is to foster a nurturing environment where young musicians can not only display their artistry but also discover how music can profoundly enhance their lives. Christopher has expressed how music brings him immense joy at a young age, while Johnny eloquently described music as “a venue for stories and emotions otherwise unhoused and inexpressible; music is life”. We couldn’t agree more and eagerly anticipate the continued musical development of our alumni in the years to come.  

To conclude, MusicFest Northwest extends heartfelt gratitude to the Spokane Symphony Orchestra and The Fox Theatre for inviting us to perform at this event! It was an honor for our alumni to perform in such a historic venue. The SSO, home to several MusicFest Northwest alumni, gave a wonderful and inspiring performance of American music in their third Masterworks concert of the season, conducted by the esteemed Morihiko Nakahara and featuring the renowned pianist Sara Davis Buechner. 

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Register for MusicFest Northwest 2025 today- Early Bird Registration ends 11/30, and regular registration lasts until 2/2. Needs-based scholarships available.