Music and Nature: An evening of stunning images accompanied by a symphony orchestra
Join WTA on April 25 at Benaroya Hall for a celebration of Washington landscapes.
Last spring, more than 1,800 people filled Benaroya Hall in Seattle. They were there to celebrate Washington’s iconic beauty and the joy of spending time outside. This concert, the first collaboration between Washington Trails Association and the Northwest Symphony Orchestra (NWSO), was a success by all measures and raised important funds to support WTA’s work. Attendees enjoyed stunning photographs from WTA’s annual Northwest Exposure Photo Contest, set to live music performed by the orchestra.
Photo courtesy of Northwest Symphony Orchestra.
WTA is excited to partner with NWSO again to host “Crescendo: A Symphonic Celebration of Washington Landscapes.” The concert is on April 25, 2025, and will feature all new photos from the 2024 WTA photo contest, paired with symphonic pieces by Vivaldi, Copland, Delius and more. The orchestra will also perform Samuel Jones’ “Mount Rainier Overture,” paired with hikers’ photos of the mountain itself.
The Musical Mountaineers will make a return appearance with a new musical film. The concert will also feature an award-winning violin soloist, 16-year-old Hana Gottesman. Hana grew up in Washington, and this will be her second season performing as a soloist with the Northwest Symphony Orchestra. This year’s concert promises to be a wonderful way to welcome spring, with musical selections including Antonio Vivaldi’s “Spring” and Edward Elgar’s “Chanson de Matin” (“Song of the Morning”).
“Nature has inspired the creation of so much music throughout history,” said Anthony Spain, NWSO’s music director. “Much of this music was created or influenced by what we refer to as the ‘Romantic’ period in music. This was a period when vivid emotions and the influence of nature infused all art forms. Many composers during this period actively engaged in nature through various activities to be inspired and to write the music that they composed. As such, this music is descriptive and pictorial. It is a natural fit for us to perform this music alongside stunning photos provided by the WTA community.”
Photo courtesy of Northwest Symphony Orchestra
As a composer himself, Anthony can relate to being inspired by nature.
“One of my favorite activities is to get outdoors and go hiking in the mountains,” he said. “Nature is so conducive for finding a place of solace, and I find it so uplifting for my spirit. When I go hiking, original melodies come to me. Of course, I am just experiencing what numerous composers have experienced. Like so many of us, I feel fortunate to be able to experience the nature and expansive mountains we have in our beautiful state.”
During last year’s concert, attendees clearly felt this connection between nature and music. As striking images panned across the screen and magnificent music filled the auditorium, the audience repeatedly gasped and sighed with awe and delight — particularly when any pika appeared on the screen.
WTA is looking forward to another memorable evening of music and imagery in April. We hope you’re able to join us as we celebrate what makes Washington special and why we cherish our public lands and trails.
Guests at this year’s concert will see photos from across the state — from the alpine backcountry to mossy forests and local parks that provide much-needed oases in urban areas. Concertgoers will also have the opportunity to connect with WTA staff and ambassadors in the lobby and to learn about additional ways they can support trails. Part of the proceeds from the concert will benefit WTA’s work to provide free resources to hikers, advocate for public lands, reduce barriers to getting outside and maintain trails for everyone, forever.
Thank you to our presenting sponsors, Western Washington Honda Dealers and Microsoft.
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