Review: Olympia Symphony Orchestra’s 'Dance' Masquerade Ball Concert
Originally published on The JOLT News on January 6, 2026
Just as predicted, Olympia Symphony Orchestra’s (OSO) “Dance” Masquerade Ball Concert really did help the Thurston County audience end the year on the right note.
I loved seeing everybody’s masks, outfits and joyous dancing throughout the show; it truly made my spirits bright. OSO always puts on a fabulous show, I would expect nothing less, but this performance held an ethereal quality that made it a night I will not soon forget.
The concert experience
Conductor and Music Director Alexandra Arrieche took the orchestra and audience on a historical tour of dance music throughout the night at the Washington Center for the Performing Arts in downtown Olympia.
Listening to these waltzes, polkas and diva-inspired tunes felt like traveling back in time, or maybe witnessing the eternal quality of music and their composers. When we play music, we keep these pieces of the past alive, as we allow their sound vibrations to travel through the air into our hearts.
Admittedly, I heard much of the program before — some of it was recognizable to me, even if I could not recall the name until reading the program, others enhanced my musical knowledge. I enjoy making new playlists seasonally, and I will be adding much of the program to my winter playlist. Whether or not you are someone who enjoys classical music, I invite you to listen to the following pieces featured in the program:
Throughout the performance, Arrieche shared stories about the composers and gave the audience context behind these pieces. Strauss, Dvořák and Brahms were all really good friends and not competitive against one another, celebrating each other’s success.
Similar to the popular hits we play in clubs now, pieces by the above-mentioned composers were played at social dances and balls, and were considered more or less the “popular hits” of the time. Is your imagination running wild? Mine is!
One day, a fan recognized Brahms while he was out and about with Strauss, and asked for Brahms’ autograph, ignoring or not recognizing Strauss. Within his signature, Brahms drew a clef with staff lines and marked a few notes.
Brahms wrote something like, “I wish I had written this” before signing his name. The musical composition Brahms drew and referenced was Strauss’ "The Blue Danube." Such loyalty is inspirational and rare. You know what it reminded me of? The exact generous spirit I see in many of our artists here in Thurston County, and how I see them interact with and collaborate with one another.
Arrieche is always so personable, kind and vivacious both on and off stage, and it made my evening brighter seeing her glow on stage. Her personality really shined when she interacted with the audience. At one point, Arrieche sat at the edge of the stage and chatted both with someone in the front row, as well as the rest of us. Taking those moments really impacts audience engagement and encourages camaraderie amongst us all. Arrieche even had the audience synchronize our clapping with sections of a piece so we can all make music together.
Personal note
There was once a time when I keenly felt that sense of intimidation, like I was not good enough, to be in the same spaces as some members of our talented artist community. I let what appeared to be a haughty attitude or snooty looks from others drive my perception of our arts, and it robbed me of joy and made me feel uneasy when I went to show (this was pre-column times).
If you have ever felt this way, I have good news for you: all it takes is a couple of fabulous evenings in the arts to realize that you (and everyone) do belong in all these spaces. Truly, the community attitude has shifted in a much more positive direction. I love the moments in a performance where we all feel united and equal, and I am so grateful for the way Arrieche makes everyone feel so warm and welcome in every interaction. Many others do the same and I applaud each of them.
Let that be a word of encouragement to us all, artist and audience alike: haughty attitudes still exist, but just like a virus, we can be proactive and choose to do the right thing. May we all embrace a welcoming spirit one person at a time.
https://www.thejoltnews.com/stories/review-olympia-symphony-orchestras-dance-masquerade-ball-concert,27688