Power House Theatre111 North 6th Ave. (North of Rose St.), Walla Walla, WA 99362 / Box Office: 509.529.6500

Walla Walla Chamber Music Festival - Summer Series at the Power House!

The Gesa Power House Theatre is proud to once again host the Walla Walla Chamber Music Festival summer series, with four outstanding concerts throughout the month of June!

Tuesday, June 11, 7:30 p.m. — $20
Czech this out! The 2013 Walla Walla Chamber Music Festival opens with the World Premiere of composer Ching-chu Hu’s String Sextet.

Tonight, we feast and we dance! Opening night of the 2013 Walla Walla Chamber Music Festival at the Gesa Power House Theater will crackle with the lively Bohemian dance rhythms of the Dvorak Piano Quintet in A major, Op. 81. Czech dances, such as the Dumka and Furiant, loom large in this audience favorite.

Also on the program is Beethoven's delightful "Harp" string quartet, Op. 74. The work, from the same period as the "Emperor" Concerto, belies none of the circumstances of Beethoven's existence in 1809: encroaching deafness, Napoleon's siege of Vienna, and attending economic woes. Beethoven, ever crafty, negotiated his way through the maze as a freelance composer.

This season marks the sixth year of the WWCMF tradition of opening the Festival Series with a specially commissioned work. It is fitting that it is a work for six players. Our featured composer is Ching-chu Hu, whose new String Sextet was commissioned for the 2013 Festival and has its World Premiere tonight!

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Saturday, June 15, 7:30 p.m. — $20
Will the real Kreutzer please stand up?  

Festival Series II presents one of the towering masterpieces for violin and piano, the Sonata in A Major, Op. 47, by Beethoven, a work more familiarly known by its nickname, the Kreutzer Sonata.

Rudolphe Kreutzer was a preeminent violinist in Paris in the early ninteenth century, and this work has almost nothing to do with him. Today, Kreutzer is known to violinists and Jack Benny as the author of a set of 42 studies designed to improve technique. To wider audiences, he is known only as the namesake for this incredible piece by Beethoven. Though Beethoven sent a copy to Kreutzer, the violinist never played the piece and declared it to be unintelligible.

Augmenting the legacy of this sonata are works by Tolstoy and Leos Janacek, both bearing the same title. You will find these Slavic spin-offs elsewhere during the 2013 Walla Walla Chamber Music Festival (namely, at jimgermanbar on June 25! See the Special Event listing for more information). Tonight, violinist Andrew Jennings and pianist Oksana Ezhokina bring Beethoven’s heroic score to life.

Also on the program is the debut of vocal chamber music at WWCMF. Soprano Jennifer Goltz-Taylor joins WWCMF for the first time in the brooding Seven Songs, Op. 127, by Dmitri Shostakovich. This work, originally commissioned by Mstislav Rostropovich, represents a Who’s Who of twentieth century Soviet music. It was conceived as a vehicle for the power quartet of soprano Galina Vishnevskaya (wife of Rostropovich), Rostropovich, violinist David Oistrakh, and Shostokovich himself. Shostakovich, to ill to perform at the premiere, was replaced by his close associate, Mieczyslaw Weinberg. The music is as deeply personal a statement as we have from this prolific composer. Rounding out the evening is a very charming work by German-American composer Charles Martin Loeffler.

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Saturday, June 22, 7:30 p.m. — $20
First Time?

Perhaps this is your first time attending a concert where the works — even the composers — are unknown to you.

The composers Heitor Villa-Lobos, Joan Tower, Friedrich Hermann and Anton Arensky fall outside of the canon of the ubiquitous “dead white guys” whose music dominates classical programming. To my knowledge, none of them ever sported a wig, and if he did, the wig would certainly not be powdered. How, then, could they compose great classical music, you ask? There’s only one way to find out!

Festival Series III explores exceptional music by composers you don’t encounter every day. From the Brazilian folk influence of Villa-Lobos’ “Jet Whistle” for flute and cello, to the Russian liturgical influence of Arensky’s tribute to his idol, Tchaikovsky, each work on this program will surprise and delight. Petroushskates, by living American composer, Joan Tower, takes two sources for its inspiration; the Shrovetide Fair of Stravinsky’s ballet masterpiece, Petroushka, and the flowing continuous line of a figure skater’s blade on the ice. Perhaps another influence on this work is the instrumental force known as a “Pierrot Ensemble,” after the seminal work Pierrot Lunaire, by Arnold Schönberg. In every case, these works deserve our attention, and we guarantee that you will always remember your first time.

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Saturday, June 29, 7:30 p.m. — $20
Go Big or Go Home!

Well, in this case, we’ll do both, going big, then going home. Festival Series IV marks the conclusion of the Sixth Annual Walla Walla Chamber Music Festival, and we are going out with a bang.

This program will shake the rafters of the Gesa Power House Theater, and ring on in your memory long after the WWCMF musicians leave the stage. The Concerto for violin, piano and string quartet in D, by French composer Ernest Chausson, is a masterpiece of the late ninteenth Century, demanding virtuosity from all six players. The concerto, as seen through the lens of the ninteenth Century, usually means a piece for soloist and large orchestra. Chausson, however, looks inward, pairing down the ensemble to its essentials. With pre-impressionistic shadings dominating the interior passages, this work nevertheless explodes to a joyous conclusion. As the French musical indication goes, “Laissé Vibrer!”— Let it Ring!

Tchaikovsky, for his part, gives us one of the string repertoire’s great showpieces. Souvenir de Florence is so named because Tchaikovsky composed one of the work’s principal themes while on an extended stay in Florence, Italy, where he composed his opera The Queen of Spades. This work features two violins, two violas, and two cellos. At times, the piece is made of three duos, or a pair of trios, or a soloist with an accompanying quintet, or once in a great while, an expectant silence from all six. The 2013 Walla Walla Chamber Music Festival will conclude in rapturous melody, giving you a souvenir of your own.

Tickets to the Walla Walla Chamber Music Festival range from $8 to $20 and are available at wwcmf.org.

'The IV Tenors' -- Return Engagement!

The IV Tenors returns to Walla Walla with a mix of fan favorites and a wide variety of new material!

We are bringing back a crowd favorite from the 2012 season, The IV Tenors, for a limited engagement of nine dates only opening May 30. The IV Tenors showcases the best of Broadway, Classical, Country, Pop & Rock, and features music spanning the spectrum from Leonard Cohen’s classic “Hallelujah” to Bon Jovi’s “Livin’ on a Prayer”. Sunny Thompson, star of the smash hit Marilyn: Forever Blonde, returns to Walla Walla this time in the director’s chair, bringing with her four fabulous voices: Brian Damson, Michael Scott Brooks, Morgan James and Ken Nielson.

FLEX Tickets apply to this production.

Since their first performance together in 2011, The IV Tenors have performed to enthusiastic crowds and rave reviews throughout the United States. These “four big guys with even bigger voices” have worked with Greg Thompson Productions in numerous shows over the last 15 years, and when Greg & Sunny Thompson decided they wanted to create a “super group” of performers from their various productions, Brian Damson, Michael Scott Brooks, Morgan James and Ken Nielson were the perfect fit!

Opening Night Gala & Two-Year Anniversary Celebration on May 30th! Learn More.

The newly revamped production will feature about half of the audience favorites from the 2012 run, with new songs that include hits from Simon & Garfunkle, The Righteous Brothers, and The Four Aces all the way to Run DMC, All 4 One and One Direction. Funny man Brian Damson will also be performing a salute to some of his favorite groups: The Andrew Sisters, The Shirelles, ABBA and The Pointer Sisters, to name just a few.

Join us for Dynamic, Delicious Dinner Theatre on May 31st, June 1st or June 7th! Learn More.

The multi-talented director of The IV Tenors, Sunny Thompson, is quickly becoming a local celebrity in Walla Walla, having been awarded honorary citizenship by Mayor Jim Barrow during the return engagement of Marilyn: Forever Blonde in March of 2013. “The presentation from the Mayor was such an honor,” said Sunny Thompson. “So now I’m bringing back the Tenors... and they are thinking about running for city council!”

The IV Tenors will open at 7:30 pm on May 30th, and runs through June 9. The run will include 7:30 pm evening performances on May 30 & 31, June 1, 5, 6, 7, & 8, with two 3:00 pm matinee performances on June 2 and June 9. Doors open one hour prior to showtime. Ticket prices range from $12-50, with special pricing available through FLEX ticket packages.

Ticket + Transportation Packages available from the Tri-Cities! Learn More.

Opening Night Gala, Two-Year Anniversary and Elevator Ribbon-Cutting Ceremony!

Celebrate in true theatrical style with the Gesa Power House Theatre!

The Gesa Power House Theatre (GPHT) celebrates its two-year anniversary during a special Gala Event on May 30^th. The Opening Night Gala for The IV Tenors will start at 5:30 pm with a special ribbon-cutting ceremony on the GPHT’s newly installed elevator. Special tapas will be served in the Electric Lounge following the ribbon-cutting ceremony, along with wines available for purchase from Watermill Winery. Ticketholders to the opening night performance will have the chance to mix and mingle with all four of the Tenors prior to the performance, and join with the GPHT’s staff and ownership in a celebration of two years of operation!

Don't miss out on this fabulous celebration!

FLEX Tickets apply to this production.

Since their first performance together in 2011, The IV Tenors have performed to enthusiastic crowds and rave reviews throughout the United States. These “four big guys with even bigger voices” have worked with Greg Thompson Productions in numerous shows over the last 15 years, and when Greg & Sunny Thompson decided they wanted to create a “super group” of performers from their various productions, Brian Damson, Michael Scott Brooks, Morgan James and Ken Nielson were the perfect fit!

The newly revamped production will feature about half of the audience favorites from the 2012 run, with new songs that include hits from Simon & Garfunkle, The Righteous Brothers, and The Four Aces all the way to Run DMC, All 4 One and One Direction. Funny man Brian Damson will also be performing a salute to some of his favorite groups: The Andrew Sisters, The Shirelles, ABBA and The Pointer Sisters, to name just a few.

Weddings at the Power House

Let your big day take place Center Stage at the Power House Theatre.

Walla Walla’s historic performing arts theatre is also a full-service wedding venue! With a certified Bridal Consultant, professional caterer, even limo service, we can provide you and your guests with the true Red Carpet treatment. We offer customizable wedding packages to meet every bride’s needs, and our staff is here to make sure that your big day is everything you imagined… and more!

Now accepting bookings for 2013 weddings!

Contact Rachael Buroker, Certified Bridal Consultant

RachaelB.pht@gmail.com

509.742.0739

Catering service available from Weinhard Café.                             

Limo Service available from Black Tie Wine Tours.

The Crystal Wall

The interior brick wall of the theatre is about to become a dramatic display of etched crystal panes and light! The Crystal Wall is an opportunity to show your support for the cultural livelihood of your community.

Support the Crystal Wall program in two ways:

Be part of the CenterStage - a dazzling evocation of the facade of the Gesa Power House Theatre - or place your name on a pane Stage Right or Stage Left. Purchase multiple panes and create your very own family tree, brought to life in state-of-the-art lighting and displayed at every performance in the theatre.

Make a statement. Light up the Crystal Wall!

Funds from the Crystal Wall program go towards the continued renovation of our historic facility. The 120 year-old building requires a final phase of renovation upgrades, and your contribution will help us get a new roof, atrium and courtyard!*

Two levels of contributions:
CenterStage: $300 per etched crystal pane
Stage Left or Stage Right: $200 per etched crystal pane

The details:

• Each crystal is hand-cut from heavy glass, measuring four by five inches, with your text etched into the reverse side, allowing for a unique display when the Crystal Wall is on and back-lit.
• Every crystal pane is custom etched locally in Walla Walla.
• Text is limited to thirty-six characters and/or spaces total.

Online: Through our website - Click here.  Please note what you would like inscribed on your crystal (maximum 36 characters).

By check:  Mail payment to the Power House Theatre, 111 North 6th Avenue, Walla Walla, WA  99362.

By automatic withdrawal from your bank:  Download the Crystal Wall donation form here.

By phone:  Call Rachael at 509-742-0739