Classical Music in Portland | The Official Guide to Portland

Music director Alexander Lingas leads Cappella Romana in a joyful program of early and contemporary music from the Greek Orthodox tradition sung during the Twelve Days of Christmas. Medieval Byzantine chant, choral works by Greek Americans Frank Desby, Tikey Zes, and Peter Michaelides, and by Michael Adamis and Sir John Tavener. Originally performed in the…

Portland Youth Philharmonic’s chamber orchestra invites you to explore an extraordinary range of rarely-heard repertoire at an intimate venue on January 5, 2024.

In a program celebrating the legacy of great pianist-composers, Rachmaninoff’s Second Symphony unfurls a tapestry of heartfelt melodies and lush romanticism that will make spirits soar. And Conrad Tao showcases his “openhearted vision” (New York Times) as composer of the opening Over and soloist in Haydn’s final piano concerto. Program Conrad Tao: Over Haydn: Piano…

“A recital by Itzhak Perlman is inevitably a journey into perfection: virtuosity of the highest order, the sweetest tone imaginable, impeccable intonation, mature musicianship, and a pleasant stage persona to boot.” (Palm Beach ArtsPaper) Enjoy a solo violin recital by the legendary Itzhak Perlman accompanied by pianist, Rohan De Silva. Artists Itzhak Perlman, Violin Rohan…

The Grammy award-winning vocal ensemble Chanticleer has been hailed as “the world’s reigning male chorus” by The New Yorker. One of the most prolific recording and touring ensembles in the world, Chanticleer has sold over one million recordings and performed thousands of live concerts to audiences around the world. “They are, to put it directly,…

The San Francisco-based Telegraph Quartet (Eric Chin and Joseph Maile, violins; Pei-Ling Lin, viola; Jeremiah Shaw, cello) will be presented by Friends of Chamber Music Portland. First Time’s a Charm on Monday, January 22. First Time’s a Charm explores examples of composers’ first attempts at the string quartet form. The program includes George Walker’s String…

Grand prize winner of the 2014 Fischoff Chamber Music Competition and winner of the prestigious 2016 Naumburg Chamber Music Award, this adventurous young group is known for “a combination of brilliance and subtlety.” (The Telegraph) “Soulfulness, tonal beauty and intelligent attention to detail.” San Francisco Chronicle Program: Mon, Jan 22 “First Time’s a Charm” BRITTEN…

Composed during a period of emotional upheaval, Schumann’s Second Symphony traces a defiantly joyous journey toward radiant hope. And pianist Tamara Stefanovich dazzles in Hans Abrahamsen’s transfixing Left, Alone, a work of fire and ice in which the soloist relies on the virtuosity of their left hand. Program Farrenc: Concert Overture No. 1 in E…

Hailed as one of the most exciting young string quartets in the world, the Goldmund Quartet brought the virtual house down during the pandemic with their CMNW AT-HOME concert debut from Germany’s Polling Abbey. Now, finally, they will be performing live in Portland! The Goldmund Quartet’s exquisitely refined playing has made them the rising stars…

Celebrate the timeless legacy of beloved American composer George Gershwin in this concert filled with jazz standards, popular tunes, and classical favorites. Featuring Gershwin’s inimitable Rhapsody in Blue, selections from Porgy and Bess, and more, this concert will be the perfect way to celebrate Gershwin’s lasting contributions to American music. Artists Jeff Tyzik, Conductor Oregon…

Known for her commanding stage presence and profound artistry, Jennifer Johnson Cano has garnered critical acclaim for her glorious voice, impressive nuance, thrilling resonance, and remarkable tone. A voice of rare depth and charisma. “This is how recitals should be sung: gripping, communicative, and spellbinding.” examiner.com Program: Vincenzo BELLINI Vaga luna, che inargenti Malinconia, ninfa…

From its ominous opening — “Fate knocking at the door” — to the closing passages of radiant triumph, Beethoven’s Fifth Symphony charts an exhilarating spiritual journey. Beethoven’s legacy looms in works by Carlos Simon and Timo Andres, whose Blind Bannister reimagines the grace and wit of Beethoven’s Second Piano Concerto. Program Beethoven: Egmont Overture Timo…

The North American premiere of a newly devised opera pasticcio by Stephen Pettitt (librettist) and Julian Perkins (musical arrangements and recitatives). A reimagined delicacy that dares to ask, ‘‘What would dinner with Handel really be like?’’ Set in Handel’s London home, this chamber opera revolves around an uncomfortable, intimate surprise dinner party thrown by Handel’s cook, the…

Black composers, poets, and hymnographers join musicians from multiple traditions for events exploring the intersections between Black and Orthodox sacred music. The concert will open with Bright Sadness, Orthodox hymns by the nun Mother Katherine Weston based on Black spirituals. The second half features Vespers: How Sweet the Sound by jazz musician and composer Dr….

Gil Shaham ranks among the greatest violinists of our time and brings his captivating talents to the lush melodies and virtuoso fireworks of Tchaikovsky’s beloved Violin Concerto. Plus Bruckner’s “Romantic” Symphony evokes a panorama of pastoral landscapes and country festivals. Program Tchaikovsky: Violin Concerto Bruckner: Symphony No. 4, “Romantic” Artists David Danzmayr, Conductor Gil Shaham,…

Formed in 2006 by first prize laureates of the Sphinx Competition, the Harlem Quartet strives to advance diversity in classical music while engaging new audiences with varied repertoire that includes works by minority composers. Downbeat Magazine says it best: “top-notch chops, sensitive ears and surprising guts.” “Bringing a new attitude to classical music, one that…

The 2023 Grammy-nominated British vocal ensemble VOCES8 inspires people through their music and their joy of singing. Versatility and a celebration of diverse musical expression are central to the ensemble’s performance and education ethos. Their performances are praised for their meticulous timing and tuning, impressive blend, and radiant sound. “The singing of VOCES8 is impeccable…

From the earliest days of the Christian tradition, the faithful have venerated the Virgin Mary through song, telling the story of her life and the cosmic significance of her role as the Mother of God. This program presents music for her drawn from the Greek and Slavic traditions by both ancient and modern composers. Giving…

To experience Time For Three live is to hear the various eras, styles, and traditions of Western music fold in on themselves and emerge anew in charismatic and energetic performances. Bonded by an uncommon blend of their instruments fused together with their voices, Time for Three has found a unique voice of expression to share…

To celebrate PBO’s abundance of talent, each season will now feature a program curated by an orchestra member. First up is our esteemed leader, Carla Moore, in a concert that delves into Georg Philipp Telemann’s vast musical cupboard. Explore a kaleidoscope of textures and styles, from the musings of solo lute to a declamatory overture…

Founded at a time when chamber music was largely centered on long-established, Western European traditions, Kronos has been at the forefront of revolutionizing the string quartet into a living art form that responds to the people and issues of our time. In the process, Kronos has become one of the most celebrated and influential groups…

‘Weapons of war and their use are something I am unable to engage with. I busy my time with notes, strings, and sounds. I work in the cause of harmony, mixing the sounds of France, Germany and Italy and attempting thus to prevent wars and to serve the cause of peace among nations and their striving for…

The Tallis Scholars return to the series with a program spanning Lent and Easter, especially poignant this year as their tour takes place between the dates of Easter, March 31 on the Gregorian calendar and May 5 on the Julian. Two expansive settings of the Lamentations (White and Tallis) fill the first half, with the…

PYP concludes its centennial season with a performance of Franz Schubert’s Unfinished Symphony – the first piece ever performed by this orchestra, formerly known as the Portland Junior Symphony. Don’t miss your last chance to be thrilled by Season 100’s Portland Youth Philharmonic on the Arlene Schnitzer Concert Hall stage. PYP welcomes special guests to…