The Bellingham Symphony Orchestra (BSO) is celebrating a Gold win in Bellingham Alive’s 2026 Best of the Northwest readers’ choice awards, earning the top spot in the Best Local Performer/Band category.
The recognition is especially meaningful to the BSO because it comes directly from the community it serves. Each year, Bellingham Alive invites readers to vote for their favorite local businesses, organizations, and performers across a wide range of categories. The annual Best of the Northwest awards recognize Gold, Silver, and Bronze winners throughout the North Sound.
“We’re incredibly grateful to everyone who took the time to vote for the Bellingham Symphony Orchestra,” said BSO Executive Director Gail Ridenour. “An orchestra is nothing without its community, and this award is really a celebration of the audiences, musicians, volunteers, donors, students, educators, and supporters who make the BSO possible. We’re so lucky to get to make music with and for this community.”
The Gold win comes as the BSO launches its 2026–2027 season, continuing its mission to bring exceptional live orchestral music and innovative programming to audiences throughout Whatcom County and beyond. The season features a diverse lineup of classical masterpieces, contemporary works, collaborations, guest artists, and community-centered experiences designed to welcome both longtime concertgoers and those experiencing the orchestra for the first time.
From full symphonic performances to pre-concert talks, educational programs, community partnerships, and opportunities to meet the musicians, the BSO continues to look for new ways to connect people with the power and joy of live music.
“Being named Best Local Performer/Band is a wonderful reminder that orchestral music belongs in this community — and that our community really does show up for it,” said Music Director Yaniv Attar. “We’re proud to share this Gold with every person who has ever walked through the doors for a concert, cheered from the audience, supported a musician, brought a student to a performance, or simply told a friend about the BSO.”
The Bellingham Symphony Orchestra extends its heartfelt thanks to everyone who voted and to the Bellingham Alive team for celebrating the arts and cultural organizations that help make the Northwest such a vibrant place to live.
