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.
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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. |
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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. |
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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. |
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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. |
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Bluebeard’s Castle 
Saturday, September 24, 2016 | 7:30 pm Rogerson: Among Mountains (World Premiere) 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? |
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The Music of David Bowie
Thursday, September 29, 2016 | 7:30 pm. Brent Havens, conductor 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. |
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Rachmaninoff’s Piano Concerto No. 3
Saturday, October 8, 2016 | 7:30 pm Wagner: Forest Murmurs from Siegfried 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. |
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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. |
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Jason Alexander Sings Broadway
Saturday, October 15, 2016 | 7:30 pm |
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Itzhak Perlman Recital
Tuesday, October 18, 2016 | 7:30 pm. Itzhak Perlman, violin Brahms: 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. |
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Colin Currie
Saturday, October 22, 2016 | 7:30 pm Rouse: Supplica 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. |
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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. |
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Barber’s Violin Concerto
Saturday, October 29, 2016 | 7:30 pm Janáček: From the House of the Dead Prelude 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. |
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Beethoven’s Pastoral Symphony
Saturday, November 5, 2016 | 7:30 pm Schumann: Overture, Scherzo and Finale 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. |
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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. |
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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. |
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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. |
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Frozen Fairy Tales Kids Concert
Sunday, November 13, 2016 | 2 pm. Norman Huynh, conductor 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. |
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Stephen Hough Plays Saint-Saëns
Saturday, November 19, 2016 | 7:30 pm Debussy: Cortege and Dance Air from L’enfant prodigue 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. |
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Holiday Pops
Saturday, November 26, 2016 | 7:30 pm 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. |
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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. |
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Turangalîla
Saturday, December 3, 2016 | 7:30 pm Wagner: Prelude and Liebestod from Tristan and Isolde 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. |
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Gospel Christmas
Friday, December 9, 2016 | 7:30 pm |
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It’s a Wonderful Life
Saturday, December 17, 2016 | 7:30 pm. Norman Huynh, conductor 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. |
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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. |
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Ode to Joy: New Year’s Celebration
Friday, December 30, 2016 | 7:30 pm 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. |
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Nadja and the Four Seasons
Saturday, January 7, 2017 | 7:30 pm. Nadja Salerno-Sonnenberg, conductor and violin • Vivaldi: The Four Seasons 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. |
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The Pines of Rome
Saturday, January 14, 2017 | 7:30 pm Franck: The Breezes (Les Éolides) 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. |
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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. |
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Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone™ Film Concert
Saturday, January 21, 2017 | 7:30 pm 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) |
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Tchaikovsky’s Romeo and Juliet
Saturday, January 28, 2017 | 7:30 pm Shepherd: Magiya 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. |
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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. |
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Dvořák’s New World Symphony
Saturday, February 4, 2017 | 7:30 pm Currier: Microsymph 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. |
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Pied Piper of Portlandia Kids Concert
Sunday, February 12, 2017 | 2 pm. Norman Huynh, conductor 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! |
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A Storm Large Valentine
Tuesday, February 14, 2017 | 7:30 pm. Norman Huynh, conductor 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. |
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Tango Caliente
Saturday, February 18, 2017 | 7:30 pm |
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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! |
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Elgar’s Enigma Variations
Saturday, February 25, 2017 | 7:30 pm Adams: Slonimsky’s Earbox 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. |
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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 |
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Dvořák’s Cello Concerto
Saturday, March 11, 2017 | 7:30 pm Barber: Souvenirs 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.” |
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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. |
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Castles and Wizards Kids Concert
Sunday, March 19, 2017 | 2 pm. Norman Huynh, conductor 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. |
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Gil Shaham
Sunday, April 2, 2017, 2 pm. Carlos Kalmar, conductor Richard Heuberger: The Opera Ball Overture 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. |
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Mozart’s Requiem
Saturday, April 8, 2017 | 7:30 pm Purcell/Talbot: Chacony in G minor 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. |
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Debussy’s La Mer
Saturday, April 22, 2017 | 7:30 pm Mendelssohn: The Hebrides (Fingal’s Cave) 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. |
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Patti Austin’s Homage to Ella Fitzgerald
Saturday, April 29, 2017 | 7:30 pm |
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Perséphone
Saturday, May 13, 2017 | 7:30 pm Tchaikovsky: Symphony No. 2, “Little Russian” 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. |
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Mahler’s Symphony No. 2
Saturday, May 20, 2017 | 7:30 pm 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! |
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.
