Bellingham Symphony Orchestra Opens 51st Season with ‘Star-Cross’d Dreams'

Ravel’s Boléro, virtuosic violin, and the whimsical artistry of Shoestring Circus bring a dreamlike afternoon to Mount Baker Theatre

[BELLINGHAM, WA] — The Bellingham Symphony Orchestra (BSO) launches its 51st season, Legends & Sonnets, on Sunday, October 4, with Star-Cross’d Dreams, an afternoon of music, movement, romance, and imagination at Bellingham’s historic Mount Baker Theatre. Led by Music Director Yaniv Attar, the 3 p.m. concert explores the many ways music can evoke longing, passion, fantasy, and desire. The program features BSO Concertmaster and acclaimed violinist Dawn Posey as soloist, alongside the whimsical artistry of Shoestring Circus.

“Star-Cross’d Dreams invites audiences into a world where music and imagination meet,” says Attar. “From the intimate lyricism of Chausson’s Poème to the dazzling virtuosity of Saint-Saëns and the hypnotic build of Ravel’s Boléro, this is music that’s meant to be felt as much as heard.”

The concert opens with Mel Bonis’ Bourrée, followed by two contrasting works for violin and orchestra: Ernest Chausson’s lush and emotionally charged Poème and Camille Saint-Saëns’ brilliant Introduction and Rondo Capriccioso, featuring Posey.

After intermission, the orchestra turns to the sensuous sound world of Maurice Ravel with Daphnis and Chloé Suite No. 2, culminating in the iconic Boléro. As Ravel’s endlessly repeating melody and insistent rhythm gradually gather momentum, Shoestring Circus performers will bring the music to life through acrobatics and movement.

“Pairing Boléro with live circus artistry gives audiences a chance to experience this familiar piece in an entirely new way,” says BSO Executive Director Gail Ridenour. “It’s a celebration of the unexpected — and a perfect way to begin our 51st season.”

The 84-minute program offers a wide-ranging introduction to the BSO’s 2026–2027 season, Legends & Sonnets, which explores stories, myths, poetry, and the human imagination through six concerts. The season continues November 22 with Longing in Exile and includes performances featuring internationally acclaimed artists including violinist Gil Shaham and cellist Amit Peled.

Concert Details

Bellingham Symphony Orchestra: Star-Cross’d Dreams

Sunday, October 4, 2026 at 3 p.m.

Mount Baker Theatre

104 N. Commercial St., Bellingham

Program:

Mel Bonis — Bourrée, Op. 62

Ernest Chausson — Poème for Violin and Orchestra, Op. 25

Camille Saint-Saëns — Introduction and Rondo Capriccioso, Op. 28

Intermission

Maurice Ravel — Daphnis and Chloé Suite No. 2

Maurice Ravel — Boléro

Featuring:

Yaniv Attar, Music Director

Dawn Posey, violin

Shoestring Circus

A free pre-concert talk will be held at 2 p.m. for ticket holders, with doors opening at 1:45 p.m. Tickets start at $20, with discounts available through the BSO’s Orchestra for All and Student Rush programs. Tickets are currently available through the Mount Baker Theatre box office.

For tickets and more information, visit bellinghamsymphony.org.

About the Bellingham Symphony Orchestra

The Bellingham Symphony Orchestra is the resident orchestra of the historic Mount Baker Theatre and is celebrating its 51st season in 2026–2027. The BSO presents six concerts each season, along with educational concerts and community and youth engagement programs throughout the year. Under the direction of Music Director Yaniv Attar, the BSO brings together professional musicians from throughout the region and beyond to create powerful, accessible musical experiences for audiences of all ages.

For more information about the Bellingham Symphony Orchestra, visit bellinghamsymphony.org.