The “Everett Phil” Brings Classical Culture to Colby
Do you live in Everett and love culture? Then you need to meet Phil. And by “Phil” I mean the Everett Philharmonic Orchestra.
If you’re like me, you may be surprised to know that there’s a full orchestra with about 80 members performing regular concerts at the Everett Civic Auditorium. Orchestra members represent the full spectrum of instruments, from harp and bass trombone to cello and contrabassoon. Woodwinds, brass, timpanis -- they’re all here and in harmony.
But part of the “secret sauce” of the group is conductor Dr. Paul-Elliott Cobbs. Dr. Cobbs studied at the Akademie für Musik in Vienna. His doctoral thesis was based on William Grant Still's Afro-American Symphony. Dr. Cobbs, an African American, brings a rare multicultural understanding to the symphony space. Indeed, he is frequently a guest conductor for symphonies around the globe.
Conductor Dr. Paul-Elliott Cobbs // Courtesy of the Everett Philharmonic Orchestra
This winter season, Dr. Cobb and the Everett Philharmonic Orchestra are putting on a special, auditorium-filling show. They plan to brighten up the early holiday season on November 27 with their “Music for the Imagination!” program. The EPO will perform a John Phillip Sousa march, excerpts from the 1812 Overture (written by a guy named Tchaikovsky), and jingle-all-the-way holiday tunes like “Sleigh Ride.”
Courtesy Everett Philharmonic Orchestra
The Phil believes in making classical music accessible. It’s certainly hard to argue with their ticket prices for their world-class events. Adults can get in for $20 and kids under 18 are only $10. Visit their website to buy tickets.
If you love classical music and are thrilled to hear orchestral music right here in the heart of downtown Everett, then grab your mom and get to the Civic Auditorium this fall to meet Phil. You won’t be sorry.
Richard Porter writes for Live in Everett.
