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The Program
Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart - Overture from Don Giovanni
Felix Mendelssohn - Violin Concerto in E minor, Op. 64
Adrian Anantawan, violin
Louise Farrenc - Symphony No. 3 in G minor, Op. 36
What Makes This Concert Interesting
The overture to Don Giovanni was reportedly written the night before the opera’s premiere. According to the story, Mozart composed it in one evening while his wife helped keep him awake by telling him stories.
Mendelssohn first shared the idea for this Violin Concerto in 1838, saying the opening melody “gave him no peace.” It took several years to finish, but that melody stayed with him.
Farrenc wrote her Third Symphony at a time when there was little room for women composers or for symphonies in Paris.
Wine Sponsor
Good to Know
Doors open at 6 PM
New to the Symphony? View our Concert Guide for tips on what to wear, where to park, and when to clap.
This concert has reserved seating. You’ll choose your seats when you purchase tickets.
Wine, sweet treats, and non-alcoholic drinks will be available before the concert and during intermission. All proceeds support the Walla Walla Symphony.
Listen Ahead
Want to get familiar with the music before the concert? Start with this YouTube playlist.
About the Guest Artist
ADRIAN ANANTAWAN
Credit: Scott Nobles
Adrian Anantawan is a violinist, educator, disability advocate, and cultural leader whose work bridges artistic excellence, accessibility, and social impact. Born without a right hand, he has built an international career as a performer and speaker, appearing at the White House, the United Nations, and the opening ceremonies of the Athens and Vancouver Olympic Games, as well as performing for Pope John Paul II and the Dalai Lama. He holds degrees from the Curtis Institute of Music, Yale University, and the Harvard Graduate School of Education, and has studied with Itzhak Perlman, Pinchas Zukerman, and Anne-Sophie Mutter.
Anantawan is Associate Professor of Strings at Berklee College of Music and Artistic Director of Shelter Music Boston, with teaching appointments at Harvard University and Milton Academy. He helped create the Virtual Chamber Music Initiative at Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital and founded the Music Inclusion Program, expanding adaptive music-making opportunities for young people with disabilities. At the center of his work is a belief that disability is not a limitation, but a vital source of creativity, identity, and artistic leadership.
In recent years, Anantawan has gained national attention for his leadership in disability arts and music inclusion, including his work with Berklee’s Music Inclusion Ensemble, a groundbreaking community of disabled musicians and allies supported by a Newbury Fellowship. His recent honors include The Kennedy Center Next 50, the Marylou Speaker Churchill Award from New England Conservatory, the 2025 Johnson Fellowship for Artists Transforming Communities from Americans for the Arts, selection as a 2025 Brother Thomas Fellow by the Boston Foundation and Pucker Gallery, and an Honorary Fellowship from The Royal Conservatory of Music.
A Juno Award nominee, Terry Fox Hall of Fame inductee, and Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal recipient, Anantawan continues to perform, teach, and speak internationally as a leading voice for disability, artistry, and inclusion in music.
adriananantawan.com