Seattle conductor killed in Methow Valley crash

George Shangrow, a longtime Seattle classical-music conductor, teacher and radio host, was killed Saturday evening in a head-on collision outside of Winthrop, Okanogan County.

Shangrow, 59, was on his way to lecture at the annual Methow Valley Chamber Music Festival on Highway 20 when an oncoming car crossed the center line and struck Shangrow's car. He died at the scene.

Shangrow was founder and music director of Orchestra Seattle and Seattle Chamber Singers, which he began 40 years ago. He had also hosted the nightly radio program "Live, by George" on KING FM, which featured live classical performances by local musicians.

Shangrow had a huge influence on the local classical-music community. He also toured and performed on piano and conducted operas in the U.S. and abroad.

"He was a wonderful man and he brought so much light to everything in music," said Stephen Provine, co-concertmaster at Orchestra Seattle. "Music in Seattle was amazing because of this man."

Shangrow, who was on the faculty of the Seattle Conservatory of Music, also taught at Seattle University and Seattle Community College, and he directed music at University Christian Church.

"He was a good friend of mine and one of my favorite people," said Mark Salman, a Seattle-area concert pianist who's known Shangrow for more than a dozen years.

"George was a very fine musician, versatile, good at everything," he said. "He was easily one of the most respected musicians all around the city."

A family member said Shangrow's relatives learned of his death late Sunday afternoon and said they were too upset to talk.

The driver of the other car in the accident, a 16-year-old boy from Twisp, suffered injuries to his collar bone and ankle, according to the Washington State Patrol. He was taken to a hospital. The teenager, driving westbound in a 2000 BMW, hit Shangrow's 2005 Volvo, according to the patrol report. Both drivers were wearing seat belts, and no drugs or alcohol were involved.

It was raining and thundering when the accident occurred in north-central Washington, according to a volunteer at the festival where Shangrow was due.

Seattle Times staff reporter Lornet Turnbull contributed to this report. Kristi Heim: 206-464-2718 or Kheim@seattletimes.com