The Oregon Symphony has announced its 2024-25 season, “The Nature of Music.” This article features only the vocal works in the company’s season. “Bach & Mendelssohn: Grace and Grandeur” features the Oregon Repertory Singers under the baton of David Danzmayr. They present Mendelssohn’s Symphony No. 2 “Lobgesang.” Soloists will be announced at a later date. Performance Dates: February 22 – {…}
The Oregon Symphony Orchestra has reached a three-year contract with its musicians. Per an official press statement issued by the company, wages will increase by six percent in the first year of the deal followed by increases of 3.5 percent in ensuing years. There will also be sick time for COVID-related illness, expanded break time, reduction of services, flexibility in {…}
(Written by: James Bash) OrpheusPDX, a new company founded by Christopher Mattaliano in Portland, Oregon, concluded its second season with a brilliant and thought-provoking production of Nico Muhly’s “Dark Sisters,” at Lincoln Hall on August 24. “Dark Sisters” explores and exposes relationships in a polygamous sect and reveals the courage of one sister-wife to leave it. With Stephen Karam’s libretto {…}
The film Oregon Symphony Orchestra has announced the appointment of Isaac Thompson as the Oregon Symphony’s next President and Chief Executive Officer. The news comes after months of an extensive global search led by a search committee formed by the Board’s Executive Committee, in cooperation with executive search firm Aspen Leadership Group. The search committee screened more than 40 qualified {…}
The Oregon Symphony has announced its 2023-24 season. For the purposes of this article, the focus will be solely on vocal performances. Christopher Allen conducts Händel’s “Messiah” with the Portland State University Chamber Choir. Soloists will be announced at a later date. Performance Date: Dec. 2 – 4, 2023 The Gospel Christmas will also put on a series of performances. {…}
“The Blue Hour” by collaborators Rachel Grimes, Angélica Negrón, Shara Nova, Caroline Shaw, and Sarah Kirkland Snider will be presented in concert with the Oregon Symphony. The song cycle is set to excerpts from Carolyn Forché’s epic poem “On Earth” which explores one woman’s journey through the space between life and death. The multi-media production will share the “beauty, pain, {…}
The Oregon Symphony has announced a series of holiday concerts. For the purposes of this article, our focus will be solely on vocal performances. “Comfort & Joy” will open the series with Deanna Tham at the podium. The Oregon Chorale will take on holiday classics like “White Christmas” and “We Need a Little Christmas.” Performance Date: Dec. 7, 2022 Charles {…}
The Oregon Symphony has announced that Clement So will be its new Vice President for Programming. In his role, So, who previously worked as Director of Artistic Planning for the San Diego Symphony, will oversee the organization’s overall programming, including subscription series, special concerts, presentations, education programs, and engagement initiatives. He will work together with Music Director David Danzmayr to {…}
The Oregon Symphony has named Deanna Tham its new Associate Conductor. In her role, Tham will support the artistic development of the orchestra in close collaboration with Music Director David Danzmayr. She will also conduct concerts by popular classical, pop, youth, film and contemporary artists. “I am so honored to join the Oregon Symphony’s conducting staff and look forward to {…}
The Oregon Symphony has announced its 2022-23 season. For the purposes of this article our focus will be solely on vocal performances. The season opens with a concert starring soprano Renée Fleming. The famed diva will perform Kevin Puts’ “The Brightness of Light” alongside baritone Rod Gilfry. The showcase will include Elgar’s “Enigma Variations” and the overture to “West Side {…}
On July 2021, Oregon Symphony launched its new digital series “Notations.” The series explores the relationship between musical expression and culture, and will draw from the rich tapestry of music in America. Each episode will follow one of five Oregon musicians, with personal stories and performances which reflect their development and unique perspective as an artist. Episode one will feature {…}