With a fine eye and ear for the arts

Bellevue residents have a long history of supporting visual and performing arts.

The Bellevue Philharmonic Orchestra is almost four decades old. The Bellevue Art Museum Fair, formerly called the Pacific Northwest Arts and Crafts Fair, started in 1947, six years before the city was incorporated.

The Bellevue Youth Symphony has several orchestras for different age groups and abilities, and a number of high-quality dance studios offer traditional ballet, jazz and tap lessons, including the professional Pacific Northwest Ballet school.

The highly-respected Music Works Northwest settled its main campus in Bellevue a few years ago, with numerous classes for children and adults.

Here is a sampling of the major arts organizations in Bellevue:

Bellevue Art Museum

Arts classes and rotating exhibits of modern and contemporary shows downtown, just across the street from Bellevue Square: 510 Bellevue Way N.E.; 425-519-0770 or www.bellevueart.org

Bellevue Philharmonic Orchestra

Fusao Kajima directs; concerts include a pops series and traditional classical performances, usually at Westminster Chapel and The Theatre at Meydenbauer Center: 924 Bellevue Way N.E.; 425-455-4171 or www.bellevuephil.org

Bellevue Youth Symphony Orchestra

Adam Stern, with the help of several assistant conductors, leads the group, which has several orchestras. Performs at Eastlake Performing Arts Center in Redmond and The Theatre at Meydenbauer Center: 924 Bellevue Way N.E. Suite 1; 425-467-5604 or www.byso.org

Cascadian Chorale

A mixed chorus that performs classical masterpieces. Venues vary: P.O. Box 53292, Bellevue, WA 98015; 206-286-6028 or www.cascadianchorale.org

Music Works Northwest

Classes for adults and youth as well as performance opportunities: 14360 S.E. Eastgate Way; 425-644-0988 or 877-80-MUSIC or www.musicworksnw.org

Pacific Northwest Ballet

This school is part of the Seattle-based professional ballet troupe: 13440 N.E. 16th St., Bellevue, WA. 98004; 425-451-1241 or www.pnb.org

Bellevue Civic Theatre

A professional theater group with an emphasis on contemporary, classic and musical comedy. Performs at The Theatre at Meydenbauer Center; www.bellevuecivic.org

Bellevue Chamber Chorus

Founded in 1984, the chorus consists of professional and avocational musicians of diverse backgrounds performing music from all periods. Various venues, including The Theatre at Meydenbauer Center: P.O. Box 1714, Bellevue, WA 98009; 425-881-0445 or www.bellevuechamberchorus.net

Ballet Bellevue

Combines state talent with nationally and internationally recognized dancers, choreographers and musicians. The eclectic repertoire features classical ballet, contemporary masterpieces and new works by local and international artists. Recent performances have been at the Mercer Island Performing Arts Center. Information: 425-455-1345 or www.balletbellevue.org