This spring, the classical music calendar is brimming with innovative performances that span historical periods and explore diverse themes. From string quartets to electronic compositions, this season offers a rich tapestry of sounds inspired by nature, social justice, and cultural heritage. Highlights include a requiem for the forgotten, contemporary percussion pieces, and tributes to past injustices, all performed by renowned ensembles and soloists across Portland and beyond.
Among the standout events is "Requiem For The Forgotten," a poignant composition by Frank La Rocca, presented by Cappella Romana. This piece not only mourns but also brings comfort and hope, drawing on various sources such as encounters with homeless individuals and biblical texts. Another notable performance comes from PUBLIQuartet, who will showcase their unique style of improvisational music influenced by African diasporic traditions, jazz, global sounds, and more at Beaverton’s Patricia Reser Center for the Arts.
The Portland Baroque Orchestra celebrates the legacy of Giovanni Pergolesi with his masterpiece "Stabat Mater," alongside works by JS Bach and Alessandro Scarlatti. Meanwhile, Third Angle New Music collaborates with the Portland Percussion Group to present "People Into Trees" at OMSI's Kendall Planetarium. This immersive experience combines visuals of Earth's forests with cutting-edge percussion compositions.
Brooklyn Rider continues its avant-garde tradition with "Chalk & Soot," featuring original songs set to Dada-inspired texts by Wassily Kandinsky, along with new commissions from today's leading composers. FearNoMusic delves into electronic music blended with violins and piano during their Locally Sourced Sounds concert, highlighting both established and emerging voices.
Nature takes center stage when Deena Grossman premieres her latest work, "Waterways," inspired by the Columbia River, performed by Oregon Symphony musicians. Additionally, Oregon Repertory Singers presents Ēriks Ešenvalds' celestial compositions, while Cascadia Composers explores unconventional percussion instruments through duets played on everything from marimbas to flowerpots.
Social consciousness permeates several performances, including Resonance Ensemble's "We Are Still Here," which honors Japanese American incarceration survivors using song, art, and personal memories. The Oregon Symphony pays tribute to Celilo Falls, once a vital trading hub for Indigenous peoples, now submerged due to dam construction, alongside Rimsky-Korsakov's vibrant "Scheherazade."
In conclusion, this spring promises an extraordinary journey through soundscapes that reflect our shared history, celebrate innovation, and inspire reflection. Each event offers audiences something distinct yet interconnected, ensuring a memorable musical season filled with discovery and emotion.