Portland, OR. It was a soggy but exuberant start to the Oregon Symphony 120th anniversary season as 76 professional musicians, and Music Director Carlos Kalmar, took to the Waterfront Park stage for an annual free concert. (We’ve got all of the details for the upcoming season below.)
The September 1st season kickoff concluded with Tchaikovsky’s 1812 Overture, complete with military cannons from the Oregon Army National Guard 218th Field Artillery, and an elaborate fireworks finale.
Sgt. Richard Botta of Portland Light Artillery Command expained to Dave Salesky KATU how his team sets off the howitzers at just the right time for the 1812 Overture.
The 2016/2017 season offers more than 80 Classical, Pops, Kids, and Special Concerts. It runs from September through May.
This month, the Symphony launchs its SoundSights Series, in which the Symphony collaborates with some of the Pacific Northwest’s finest artists to bring an extraordinary visual element to the stage. It starts in September with Bluebeard’s Castle, a dark and mysterious opera with sculptures by world-renowned glass artist Dale Chihuly. In December, video artist Rose Bond and her team will transform the walls of the Schnitz into an animated backdrop for Turangalîla, a symphonic dance of love and joy. Next spring, master stage designer, costumer, and puppet maker Michael Curry will mount magical scenery for Stravinsky’s Perséphone, a musical version
Hers’s a list of some of the Oregon Symphony offerings for the 2016/2017 season:
Click to Learn more about the subscriptions and packages.
| | The Shanghai Acrobats of the
People’s Republic of ChinaWednesday, September 7, 2016 | 7:30 pm. This riveting acrobatic group will thrill you with astonishing acts that have dazzled audiences the world over. China’s preeminent company of acrobats will thrill your whole family with its winning combination of athleticism, energy, and charm.The Oregon Symphony does not perform. More info and tickets |
| | Renée Fleming Saturday, September 10, 2016 | 7:30 pm. Carlos Kalmar, conductor Renée Fleming, soprano We can’t imagine a better way to begin the 120th Anniversary Season than with the legendary diva herself! Tickets to this extraordinary performance are expected to disappear quickly. More info and tickets |
| | Boyz II Men Tuesday, September 13, 2016 | 7:30 pm. Norman Huynh, conductor Back by popular demand! One of the most iconic R&B groups in music history returns to the Oregon Symphony. The four-time Grammy Award winners have thrilled audiences around the world for more than two decades with their smooth harmonies and enduring themes. Count on them for favorites like “End of the Road,” “I’ll Make Love to You,” “One Sweet Day,” “Motownphilly,” and many others. More info and tickets |
| | The Legend of Zelda: Symphony
of the Goddesses – Master Quest Saturday, September 17, 2016 | 7:30 pm. Amy Andersson, conductor
Pacific Youth ChoirJourney to Hyrule and celebrate The Legend of Zelda with “Master Quest,” the next chapter of the multi-media Symphony of the Goddesses tour! Chronicling favorite moments from the franchise’s 30-year history, “Master Quest” also includes never-before-performed scores and gorgeous, larger-than-life gameplay imagery from the latest Zelda release, Tri Force Heroes. More info and tickets |
| | Bluebeard’s Castle Saturday, September 24, 2016 | 7:30 pm
Sunday, September 25, 2016 | 7:30 pm
Monday, September 26, 2016 | 7:30 pm. Carlos Kalmar, conductor
• Viktoria Vizin, Judith
• Gábor Bretz, Bluebeard
• MaryAnne Glazebrook, former wife
• Myia Johnson, former wife
• Ithica Tell, former wife
• Dale Chihuly, glass sculptures set designer
• Mary Birnbaum, stage director Rogerson: Among Mountains (World Premiere)
Oregon Symphony commission celebrating our
120th Anniversary Season with generous support
from William D. Rutherford
Mozart: Symphony No. 31, “Paris”
• Bartók: Bluebeard’s Castle Dale Chihuly’s magnificent works of art provide a stunning visual dimension for Béla Bartók’s dark and mysterious opera. Mozart’s celebratory Symphony No. 31 balances the evening nicely. And what kicks off a 120th Anniversary Season better than a world premiere? More info and tickets |
| | The Music of David Bowie Thursday, September 29, 2016 | 7:30 pm. Brent Havens, conductor
Tony Vincent, vocals His music lives on! A full rock band and vocalist join the orchestra to celebrate the one-of-a-kind genius in a sensational musical odyssey through his unforgettable body of work with “Space Oddity,” “Changes,” “Under Pressure,” “China Girl,” and many more. More info and tickets |
| | Rachmaninoff’s Piano Concerto No. 3 Saturday, October 8, 2016 | 7:30 pm
Sunday, October 9, 2016 | 2 pm
Monday, October 10, 2016 | 7:30 pm. Nicholas Carter, conductor
• Marc-André Hamelin, piano Wagner: Forest Murmurs from Siegfried
Sibelius: Symphony No. 3
• Rachmaninoff: Piano Concerto No. 3 Alex Ross of The New Yorker says, “Hamelin’s legend will grow – right now there is no one like him.” The acclaimed Canadian pianist returns to tackle Rachmaninoff’s most challenging concerto. More info and tickets |
| | Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra
with Wynton Marsalis Wednesday, October 12, 2016 | 7:30 pm. Jazz trumpeter Wynton Marsalis returns to Portland for one night only! It’s impossible to say enough about this extraordinary musician and this magnificent orchestra. Suffice it to say, this will be an evening of jazz played by the very best.
The Oregon Symphony does not perform. More info and tickets |
| | Jason Alexander Sings Broadway Saturday, October 15, 2016 | 7:30 pm
Sunday, October 16, 2016 | 3 pm. Long before becoming world-renowned as the iconic George Costanza on “Seinfeld,” Jason Alexander was a Tony Award-winning Broadway song and dance man. His appearance features an hilarious re-telling of his journey to and on the Broadway stage with great music from the theater, along with comedy and audience interaction. It’s a much-heralded performance of music, laughter, and fun. More info and tickets |
| | Itzhak Perlman Recital Tuesday, October 18, 2016 | 7:30 pm. Itzhak Perlman, violin
Rohan De Silva, piano Brahms: Sonata No. 2
Ravel: Sonata No. 2 The reigning virtuoso of the violin returns once more to share his remarkable artistry and irrepressible joy for making music. This will be a rare evening with the 16-time Grammy winner who continues to thrill audiences around the world. The Oregon Symphony does not perform. More info and tickets |
| | Colin Currie Saturday, October 22, 2016 | 7:30 pm
Sunday, October 23, 2016 | 2 pm
Monday, October 24, 2016 | 7:30 pm. Carlos Kalmar, conductor
• Colin Currie, percussion Rouse: Supplica
• Andrew Norman: Switch for solo percussion and orchestra
Strauss: Ein Heldenleben (A Hero’s Life) Scotland’s most famous musical export (after the bagpipes) begins his second year as our own Artist-in-Residence with the West Coast premiere of a new American percussion concerto. After intermission, revel in the humorous twists of Strauss’ tongue-in-cheek self-portrait. More info and tickets |
| | Tony Bennett Wednesday, October 26, 2016 | 7:30 pm. An evening of timeless standards with the iconic crooner himself! The Oregon Symphony does not perform. More info and tickets |
| | Barber’s Violin Concerto Saturday, October 29, 2016 | 7:30 pm
Sunday, October 30, 2016 | 7:30 pm
Monday, October 31, 2016 | 7:30 pm. Carlos Kalmar, conductor
• Joseph Swensen, violin Janáček: From the House of the Dead Prelude
Prokofiev: Symphony No. 3, “The Fiery Angel”
• Barber: Violin Concerto
Bach/Stokowski: Toccata and Fugue in D Minor A classical Halloween! Get set for an evening of musical thrills and chills featuring Bach’s Toccata and Fugue in D Minor, Prokofiev’s almost demonic “Fiery Angel,” and, on the lyrical side, Barber’s gorgeously melodic Violin Concerto. More info and tickets |
| | Beethoven’s Pastoral Symphony Saturday, November 5, 2016 | 7:30 pm
Sunday, November 6, 2016 | 2 pm
Monday, November 7 | 7:30 pm. Hans Graf, conductor
• Martha Long, flute • Martin Hébert, oboe
• James Shields, clarinet • Carin Miller Packwood, bassoon
• Jeffrey Work, trumpet • John Cox, horn
• Daniel Cloutier, trombone Schumann: Overture, Scherzo and Finale
• Martin: Concerto for Seven Wind Instruments
Beethoven: Symphony No. 6, “Pastoral” Two remarkable symphonies team up: Beethoven’s musical paean to the beauties of nature and Schumann’s joyful Overture, Scherzo and Finale. Plus symphony wind and brass principals take center stage in Martin’s Concerto for Seven Wind Instruments. More info and tickets |
| | The Capitol Steps Tuesday, November 8, 2016 | 7:30 pm. It’s election day! Regardless of how your favorite candidates are faring, it’s time for political parody at its hilarious best. Cast your ballots, then sit back and enjoy the nation’s leading political satirists as they put the “mock” back in democracy. The Oregon Symphony does not perform. More info and tickets |
| | Raiders of the Lost Ark Thursday, November 10, 2016 | 7:30 pm. Norman Huynh, conductor In the action-adventure franchise of the century, Harrison Ford stars as the intrepid archaeologist with a penchant for adventure. Go back to where it all began, as Indiana Jones is brought to life by Steven Spielberg, George Lucas, and the Oregon Symphony orchestra, playing John Williams’ memorable score. More info and tickets |
| | Il Divo: Amor & Pasión Friday, November 11, 2016 | 7:30 pm. With their extraordinary mix of opera, pop, folk and more, multi-platinum winning Il Divo has become the most successful classical crossover group in history. Now they’ll bring the smoldering passion and sultry rhythms of Spain, Cuba, and Argentina to Portland in a one-night-only performance! The Oregon Symphony does not perform. More info and tickets |
| | Frozen Fairy Tales Kids Concert Sunday, November 13, 2016 | 2 pm. Norman Huynh, conductor
Pam Mahon, narrator
Pacific Youth Choir and Dance West With “Let It Go” from Disney’s Frozen and music from The Snow Queen, The Winter’s Tale and The Nutcracker, kids will love this hearty celebration of the coming winter. More info and tickets |
| | Stephen Hough Plays Saint-Saëns Saturday, November 19, 2016 | 7:30 pm
Sunday, November 20, 2016 | 7:30 pm
Monday, November 21, 2016 | 7:30 pm. Ludovic Morlot, conductor
• Stephen Hough, piano Debussy: Cortege and Dance Air from L’enfant prodigue
Chausson: Symphony in B-flat Major
• Saint-Saëns: Piano Concerto No. 5, “Egyptian”
Ravel: La valse Seattle Symphony Music Director Ludovic Morlot leads the Symphony for the very first time. He’s joined by MacArthur “Genius” grant award-winning pianist Stephen Hough who returns to tackle Saint-Saëns’ final piano concerto, nicknamed “Egyptian” for its exotic sounds. More info and tickets |
| | Holiday Pops Saturday, November 26, 2016 | 7:30 pm
Sunday, November 27, 2016 | 3 pm. Doug LaBrecque, baritone
Pacific Youth Choir Pops Conductor Jeff Tyzik, the Oregon Symphony, and the Pacific Youth Choir get the festive season off to a magical start with all your favorite carols and beloved holiday melodies. More info and tickets |
| | Anderson, Rabin & Wakeman (ARW):
An Evening of YES Music and MoreTuesday, November 29, 2016 | 7:30 pm. Jon Anderson, vocals
Trevor Rabin, guitar
Rick Wakeman, keyboardThree defining members of the British prog rock band Yes – Jon Anderson, Trevor Rabin, and Rick Wakeman – reunite for hits like “Owner of a Lonely Heart” and “And You and I” in this much-anticipated 2016 tour.The Oregon Symphony does not perform. More info and tickets |
| | Turangalîla Saturday, December 3, 2016 | 7:30 pm
Sunday, December 4, 2016 | 2 pm
Monday, December 5, 2016 | 7:30 pm. Carlos Kalmar, conductor
• Steven Osborne, piano
• Cynthia Millar, ondes martenot
• Rose Bond & PNCA, video animators Wagner: Prelude and Liebestod from Tristan and Isolde
• Messiaen: Turangalîla-Symphony Renowned video animator Rose Bond and her team transform the hall in this original production. Watch in amazement as the walls become a riveting, visual stage for Messiaen’s symphonic dance of love and joy. More info and tickets |
| | Gospel Christmas Friday, December 9, 2016 | 7:30 pm
Saturday, December 10, 2016 | 7:30 pm
Sunday, December 11, 2016 | 4 pm. This 18-year tradition keeps getting bigger and better. The region’s premier gospel singers and the Oregon Symphony orchestra will have you on your feet, clapping and shouting, celebrating the true spirit of the season. Don’t miss out on this exhilarating experience! More info and tickets |
| | It’s a Wonderful Life Saturday, December 17, 2016 | 7:30 pm. Norman Huynh, conductor
Oregon Repertory Singers Everyone’s favorite feel-good holiday classic! Jimmy Stewart and Donna Reed star in the timeless tale of a discouraged businessman whose guardian angel helps him discover the far-reaching influence of everyday kindness. The orchestra performs the uplifting soundtrack in real time. Projected in HD, in its original black and white format. More info and tickets |
| | Comfort and Joy: A Classical Christmas Sunday, December 18, 2016 | 3 pm & 7 pm. Norman Huynh, conductor A frothy holiday mix of light classical works along with your favorite seasonal songs, all capped with a traditional sing-along that will put you in the finest of Yuletide spirits. More info and tickets |
| | Ode to Joy: New Year’s Celebration Friday, December 30, 2016 | 7:30 pm
Saturday, December 31, 2016 | 7:30 pm. Carlos Kalmar, conductor
Portland Symphonic Choir
Amber Wagner, soprano
Kelley O’Connor, mezzo-soprano
Anthony Dean Griffey, tenor
Dashon Burton, bass-baritone What better way to start the New Year than this celebration of triumph and joy! Beethoven’s Ninth and the full-throated glory of its soaring Ode to Joy will have you ready to pop the cork and welcome in an exhilarating New Year. More info and tickets |
| | Nadja and the Four Seasons Saturday, January 7, 2017 | 7:30 pm. Nadja Salerno-Sonnenberg, conductor and violin • Vivaldi: The Four Seasons
Bizet/Shchedrin: Carmen Suite One of the world’s – and Portland’s – favorite violinists returns! Nadja plays and conducts members of the orchestra for one of the world’s most popular pieces, Vivaldi’s Four Seasons. More info and tickets |
| | The Pines of Rome Saturday, January 14, 2017 | 7:30 pm
Sunday, January 15, 2017 | 2 pm
Monday, January 16, 2017 | 7:30 pm. Carlos Kalmar, conductor
• Alban Gerhardt, cello Franck: The Breezes (Les Éolides)
• Dutilleux: A Whole Distant World (Cello Concerto)
Haydn: Symphony No. 80
Respighi: The Pines of Rome Laureate Music Director James DePreist made Respighi’s majestic Pines of Rome an Oregon Symphony signature. Enjoy it now with Music Director Carlos Kalmar’s deft touch. Add to that a performance from one of our favorite soloists, Alban Gerhardt, and you’ve got a night to remember. More info and tickets |
| | DeVotchKa Thursday, January 19, 2017 | 7:30 pm. Norman Huynh, conductor The Denver-based indie rock band DeVotchKa powers into new territory. Long renowned for their lush sound and eclectic mix of genres, they’re ready to show Portland what happens when they combine their intimate melodies with the full orchestral power of the Oregon Symphony. More info and tickets |
| | Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone™ Film Concert Saturday, January 21, 2017 | 7:30 pm
Sunday, January 22, 2017 | 2 pm. Justin Freer, conductor
Pacific Youth Choir The Harry Potter™ film series is one of those once-in-a-lifetime cultural phenomena that continues to delight millions of fans around the world. This concert will feature the Oregon Symphony performing every note from Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone™. Audiences will be able to relive the magic of the film in high-definition on a giant screen while hearing the orchestra perform John Williams’ unforgettable score. HARRY POTTER characters, names and related indicia are © & ™ Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc. Harry Potter Publishing Rights © JKR. (s16) More info and tickets |
| | Tchaikovsky’s Romeo and Juliet Saturday, January 28, 2017 | 7:30 pm
Sunday, January 29, 2017 | 7:30 pm
Monday, January 30, 2017 | 7:30 pm. Carlos Kalmar, conductor
• Stefan Jackiw, violin Shepherd: Magiya
• Prokofiev: Violin Concerto No. 2
Stravinsky: The Fairy’s Kiss Divertimento
Tchaikovsky: Romeo and Juliet Overture Fantasy In the depths of winter, we’ll warm you with the music of Russia’s greatest composers: the passion of Tchaikovsky’sRomeo and Juliet, Stravinsky’s brilliant take on Tchaikovsky’s musical ideas, and violinist Stefan Jackiw’s interpretation of Prokofiev’s opulent Violin Concerto. More info and tickets |
| | Kodo Wednesday, February 1, 2017 | 7:30 pm. Japan’s most celebrated Taiko ensemble is an exhilarating blend of drumming, athleticism, and theater. The whole family will be blown away by Kodo’s dazzling display and explosive sound! The Oregon Symphony does not perform. More info and tickets |
| | Dvořák’s New World Symphony Saturday, February 4, 2017 | 7:30 pm
Sunday, February 5, 2017 | 2 pm
Monday, February 6, 2017 | 7:30 pm. Carlos Kalmar, conductor
• Yefim Bronfman, piano Currier: Microsymph
• Beethoven: Piano Concerto No. 4
Dvořák: Symphony No. 9, “From the New World” One of the most popular – and moving – symphonies of all time! Add two other heavyweights – Beethoven and powerhouse pianist Yefim Bronfman – and you’re set for an evening of pure musical pleasure. More info and tickets |
| | Pied Piper of Portlandia Kids Concert Sunday, February 12, 2017 | 2 pm. Norman Huynh, conductor
Pam Mahon, narrator
Pacific Youth Choir and Dance West We’ll spirit the young audience away for a musical adventure inside the orchestra with Britten’s The Young Person’s Guide to the Orchestra. But we promise to bring them back with smiles on their faces! More info and tickets |
| | A Storm Large Valentine Tuesday, February 14, 2017 | 7:30 pm. Norman Huynh, conductor
Storm Large, vocals When Storm Large joins the band, she sets hearts to pounding. When it comes to love, few singers approach matters of the heart with the gusto, the passion, and, yes, the grit, of this powerful performer. More info and tickets |
| | Tango Caliente Saturday, February 18, 2017 | 7:30 pm
Sunday, February 19, 2017 | 3 pm. One of the spiciest concerts of the season! Dazzling dancers, some of Portland’s hottest tango musicians, and the inimitable Pepe Raphael bring the tango to vivid life. It’ll be sizzling at The Schnitz. More info and tickets |
| | The Music of Prince Monday, February 20, 2017 | 7:30 pm. Brent Havens, conductor Bridging the gulf between rock n’ roll and classical music, The Music of Prince celebrates all of Prince’s exceptional tunes. Expect to enjoy songs like “Purple Rain,” “Little Red Corvette,” and “When Doves Cry.” The Oregon Symphony orchestra, amplified with a full rock band and vocals, captures Prince’s distinct sound while presenting some familiar and lots of new musical colors! More info and tickets |
| | Elgar’s Enigma Variations Saturday, February 25, 2017 | 7:30 pm
Sunday, February 26, 2017 | 7:30 pm
Monday, February 27, 2017 | 7:30 pm. Christoph König, conductor
• Jeffrey Kahane, piano Adams: Slonimsky’s Earbox
• Schumann: Piano Concerto
Elgar: Enigma Variations Two brilliant masterworks make for an extraordinary musical experience. Each variation in Elgar’s most popular work is an emotional tribute to friends and family. And acclaimed pianist Jeffrey Kahane returns to perform Schumann’s thrilling tour-de-force. More info and tickets |
| | E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial Thursday, March 2, 2017 | 7:30 pm. Norman Huynh, conductor The special friendship between 10-year-old Elliott and a homesick alien still touches audiences in an emotional way. Part fantasy, part science fiction, and so totally lovable that
it won four Academy Awards® – including Best Score for John Williams’ music. The orchestra’s live performance with E.T. on the big screen is an experience the whole family will enjoy! More info and tickets |
| | Dvořák’s Cello Concerto Saturday, March 11, 2017 | 7:30 pm
Sunday, March 12, 2017 | 7:30 pm
Monday, March 13, 2017 | 7:30 pm. Carlos Kalmar, conductor
• Harriet Krijgh, cello Barber: Souvenirs
Bunch: Commission (World Premiere)
• Dvořák: Cello Concerto The most popular and most performed cello concerto of all time, paired with an exciting new commissioned work – and second world premiere of this Anniversary Season – from Portland composer Kenji Bunch, heralded by The New York Times as “a composer to watch.” More info and tickets |
| | John Cleese Wednesday, March 15, 2017 | 7:30 pm. He’s a brilliant actor and writer, and the tallest member of Monty Python. He’s also a founding father of modern comedy, whose multitude of fans will be hanging on his every word! The Oregon Symphony does not perform. More info and tickets |
| | Castles and Wizards Kids Concert Sunday, March 19, 2017 | 2 pm. Norman Huynh, conductor
Pam Mahon, narrator
Pacific Youth Choir and Dance West Wonder what the King is doing tonight? Or the Princess? And who knows what mischief the court’s wizard is up to! A concert sure to please young audiences with music fromHarry Potter and more. More info and tickets |
| | Gil Shaham Sunday, April 2, 2017, 2 pm. Carlos Kalmar, conductor
• Gil Shaham, violin Richard Heuberger: The Opera Ball Overture
Johann Strauss, Jr.: Indigo and the Four Thieves Overture
• Korngold: Violin Concerto
Suppé: Poet and Peasant Overture
Josef Strauss: Dynamiden waltzes
Richard Strauss: Der Rosenkavalier Suite Viva Vienna! While the night away with Carlos, the orchestra, and some of the greatest music composed by Viennese composers and played by one of the most extraordinary violinists of our time. More info and tickets |
| | Mozart’s Requiem Saturday, April 8, 2017 | 7:30 pm
Sunday, April 9, 2017 | 7:30 pm
Monday, April 10, 2017 | 7:30 pm. Jean-Marie Zeitouni, conductor
• Katie Van Kooten, soprano
• Sasha Cooke, mezzo-soprano
• Jack Swanson, tenor
• Andrew Foster-Williams, bass-baritone
• Members of Portland Symphonic Choir Purcell/Talbot: Chacony in G minor
• Stravinsky: Symphony in Three Movements
• Mozart: Requiem (Levin completion) A performance to ponder the meaning of life. The immortal music Mozart wrote on his own deathbed and left unfinished makes a fitting companion piece for Igor Stravinsky’s powerful Symphony in Three Movements, written to commemorate WWII. More info and tickets |
| | Debussy’s La Mer Saturday, April 22, 2017 | 7:30 pm
Sunday, April 23, 2017 | 2 pm
Monday, April 24, 2017 | 7:30 pm. Jun Märkl, conductor
• Simone Lamsma, violin Mendelssohn: The Hebrides (Fingal’s Cave)
• Britten: Violin Concerto
Hosokawa: Circulating Ocean
Debussy: La Mer (The Sea) Debussy’s most sensuous work powers an evening of oceanic currents, with sea-going works by both Hosakawa and Mendelssohn. Renowned violinist Simone Lamsma returns to perform Britten’s Spanish Civil War-inspired Violin Concerto. More info and tickets |
| | Patti Austin’s Homage to Ella Fitzgerald Saturday, April 29, 2017 | 7:30 pm
Sunday, April 30, 2017 | 3 pm. Grammy Award winner Patti Austin has been wowing audiences since her childhood debut at the iconic Apollo Theater. Now, with 17 albums to her credit including her 2002 Grammy-nominated recording “For Ella,” she’ll thrill us with her electrifying renditions of the First Lady of Song’s legendary hits – “How High the Moon,” “The Man I Love,” “Too Close for Comfort,” and many more. More info and tickets |
| | Perséphone Saturday, May 13, 2017 | 7:30 pm
Sunday, May 14, 2017 | 7:30 pm
Monday, May 15, 2017 | 7:30 pm. Carlos Kalmar, conductor
• Portland State Chamber Choir
• Pacific Youth Choir
• Paul Groves, tenor
• TBA, narrator
• Michael Curry, artistic designer Tchaikovsky: Symphony No. 2, “Little Russian”
• Stravinsky: Perséphone He’s worked with The Walt Disney Company, Cirque du Soleil, and the Olympics, and now Michael Curry brings his exhilarating stage magic to our performance of Stravinsky’s most tender work and the mythic story of the origin of the seasons. More info and tickets |
| | Mahler’s Symphony No. 2 Saturday, May 20, 2017 | 7:30 pm
Sunday, May 21, 2017 | 2 pm
Monday, May 22, 2017 | 7:30 pm. Carlos Kalmar, conductor
Tamara Wilson, soprano
Elizabeth DeShong, mezzo soprano
Portland State Chamber Choir, Man Choir, and Vox Femina Mahler: Symphony No. 2, “Resurrection” Like Beethoven’s Ninth which inspired it, Mahler’s massive Second Symphony explodes the symphonic genre. The monumental sweep of this groundbreaking soundscape miraculously encompasses life, death, and resurrection. What an epic way to end the 120th Anniversary Season! More info and tickets |
From the Oregon Symphony:
The Oregon Symphony currently has 76 professional musicians on contract, and is led by Music Director Carlos Kalmar. Each year it engages dozens of guest conductors and artists, both popular and classical, to perform with the orchestra. The organization’s operating expense budget was $16.2 million in FY ’15, of which just over 78% was spent on programs.
The Oregon Symphony is managed by a full-time staff of 37 who are responsible for concert production, marketing, public relations, education, community engagement, fundraising, customer service, accounting, and financial reporting.
It is governed by a volunteer board of directors who, together with the trustees of the Oregon Symphony Foundation, last year contributed thousands of hours and almost $1.5 million in support of the organization.
The Oregon Symphony performs nearly 80 concerts a year at the Arlene Schnitzer Concert Hall in Portland, in a wide range of music to suit many tastes and preferences. It presents two end-of-summer outdoor concerts in Portland and travels regularly for performances in Salem, Newberg and smaller communities elsewhere in the state. It also provides an award-winning program of educational and community engagement activities.
The Oregon Symphony’s programs serve more than 225,000 people annually. It is supported by thousands of individuals, businesses and foundations and receives funding from the Regional Arts & Cultural Council, the State of Oregon Arts Commission, and the National Endowment for the Arts. The Symphony’s principal volunteer organization, Friends of the Oregon Symphony, supplies valuable volunteer assistance and fundraising revenue.
Now in its 120th season, the Oregon Symphony is the oldest orchestra west of the Mississippi.