FINNISH composer Einojuhani Rautavaara’s work Cantus Arcticus, Op. 61, “Concerto for Birds and Orchestra” will be performed by the Portland Chamber Orchestra Sept. 20.
Portland Chamber Orchestra opens with old, new
By Jewish Review
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The Portland Chamber Orchestra, conducted by Maestro Yaacov Bergman, blends familiar favorites with the brand new in its Sept. 20 season opener with works by Camille Saint-Saens, Beethoven and Einojuhani Rautavaara.
The concert entitled “Flora and Fauna” is a musical adventure evoking Nature through sounds and images.
The opening work features the Portland premiere of Finnish composer Einojuhani Rautavaara’s work “Cantus Arcticus, Op. 61”, a Concerto for Birds and Orchestra, composed in 1972. Taped bird songs interact with the orchestra through recorded sound and conventional instruments.
Cries of Arctic birds and the sounds of migrating fowl gradually become distinct from the musicians, as the orchestra finds its motivation in the bird songs. Animated visuals by Portland Chamber Orchestra’s Artist-in-Residence Liz Gill Neilson will accompany the concerto.
Featured next is Camille Saint-Saens’ “Grand Zoological Fantasy,” the entertaining “Carnival of the Animals” with distinguished Portland actor Tobias Anderson reciting a humorous and amusing new poem by “PDQ Bach” creator, Mr. Peter Schickele. Duo-piano soloists will be the young and gifted Yip sisters, 13-year old Melody and 12-year old Megan Yip.
“The Carnival of the Animals” was last performed by the Portland Chamber Orchestra in 1978 under Maestro Paul Bellam, using the humorous verses of Ogden Nash.
The program concludes with Beethoven’s manifestation of his love of nature, “Symphony No. 6 in F Major,” better known as the “Pastoral Symphony.”
A pre-concert lecture is set for 6:30 p.m. prior to the Sept. 20 evening performance. “Music in Nature” will be the topic for Duncan Neilson III, composer at the College of William and Mary, Williamsburg, Va.
A free dress rehearsal for children and families is set for 10 a.m. on Sept. 20. Free concert-related activities for children prior to dress rehearsal begin at 9:30 a.m.
PCO provides free dress rehearsals to make live performances accessible to children of all ages and economic situations. Led by Bergman, the dress rehearsal provides a welcoming environment for children to be themselves while enjoying the magic of sound and sight through music, humorous verse and visual imagery.
The regular concert begins at 7:30 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 20, in the Kaul Auditorium at Reed College located at 3203 SE Woodstock Blvd. in Portland. Parking and handicap accessibility is at 28th Avenue and Botsford Drive.
Tickets for the concert are on sale now for $25. For students, seniors and Portland Chamber Orchestra Association members, tickets are $20. Group rate is $15 for ten or more. To purchase tickets, call 503-771-3250 or order online at www.portlandchamberorchestra.org.
For more information, visit www.portlandchamberorchestra.org.
