"In 1945, a musical "taskmaster" named Harold Paul Whelan arrived in Spokane and willed a symphony orchestra into existence. Others before him had tried and failed. Yet this orchestra evolved into the Spokane Symphony and is now celebrating its 75th birthday. Almost from the beginning, the orchestra established itself as the premier arts institution in the city. Like a Beethoven symphony, the Spokane Symphony's story is filled with drama, turmoil, and emotion- not to mention crashing crescendos and triumphant fanfares. It would endure a strike, recessions, budget crises, and tense confrontations between musicians and conductors. A colorful cast of characters have presided at its podium, including a legendary Pulitzer Prize-winner and a prickly Soviet defector. In recent years the organization embarked on its most audacious project yet, the $31 million purchase and renovation of the Fox Theater. The orchestra now has the rare distinction of owning its own concert hall. Through it all, the orchestra's musical reputation has grown steadily until it has become what some call "the smallest major orchestra in the United States."-- flyleaf