The Northwest Symphony Orchestra was founded in 1987 and currently performs in the Seattle suburb of Burien, Washington. Since its founding, the orchestra has received local, regional, and national acclaim, having been featured several times on National Public Radio. Music Director Anthony Spain and the NWSO have recorded two CDs (on the KOCH and Albany labels of New York). These CD's have been highly praised by sources including the American Record Guide "...sound is beautiful, playing excellent" and Fanfare "... first class orchestra...This is a first class production all around". Melinda Bargreen of the Seattle Times has described Dr. Spain and the Northwest Symphony Orchestra performances as "...strong, committed impassioned performances. "Shard" a CD of music by Michael Nicolella with the NWSO and Anthony Spain conducting, was voted CD of the month in the June/July 2006 issue of "Guitare Classique" in France.