Theater: Cultural Events

The First Day of Christmas / Wednesday, December 25, 2024
The Nativity of Our Lord
10:00 – 11:00 a.m. / Morning Prayer with Carols

The Second Day of Christmas / Thursday, December 26, 2024
Feast of St. Stephen, martyr / 7:00 – 7:30 p.m. Worship

The Third Day of Christmas / Friday, December 27, 2024
Feast of John, apostle and evangelist / 7:00 – 7:30 p.m. Worship

The Fourth Day of Christmas / Saturday, December 28, 2024
Feast of The Holy Innocents, Martyrs / 7:00 – 8:00 p.m. Worship / Childermas Lessons & Carols

The Fifth Day of Christmas / Sunday, December 29, 2024
The First Sunday after Christmas Day / 10:00 – 11:00 a.m. Worship

The Sixth Day of Christmas / Monday, December 30, 2024
Feast of the Holy Family / 7:00 – 8:00 p.m.
Marian & Josephite Lessons & Carols

The Seventh Day of Christmas / Tuesday, December 31, 2024
Commemoration of John Wycliff, Reformer
7:00 – 8:00 p.m. Worship

The Eighth Day of Christmas / Wednesday, January 1, 2025
Feast of The Holy Name of Jesus / 7:00 – 7:30 p.m. Worship

The Ninth Day of Christmas / Thursday, January 2, 2025
7:00 – 7:30 p.m.
Carol Exploration: Virginal, Harpsichord & Organ by Joseph Petit

The Tenth Day of Christmas / Friday, January 3, 2025
Commemoration of Kaj Munk, Martyr 7:00 – 8:00 p.m.

The Eleventh Day of Christmas / Saturday, January 4, 2025
Twelfth Night Revelrie with East Metro Community Music Association,
St. Aidan’s Choir, and guests / 7:00 p.m.

The Twelfth Day of Christmas / Sunday, January 5, 2025
The Second Sunday after Christmas Day
10:00 – 11:00 a.m. Worship

The Feast of the Epiphany of Christ to the Gentiles
Monday, January 6, 2025
7:00 p.m. Choral Eucharist

The First Day of Christmas / Wednesday, December 25, 2024
The Nativity of Our Lord
10:00 – 11:00 a.m. / Morning Prayer with Carols

The Second Day of Christmas / Thursday, December 26, 2024
Feast of St. Stephen, martyr / 7:00 – 7:30 p.m. Worship

The Third Day of Christmas / Friday, December 27, 2024
Feast of John, apostle and evangelist / 7:00 – 7:30 p.m. Worship

The Fourth Day of Christmas / Saturday, December 28, 2024
Feast of The Holy Innocents, Martyrs / 7:00 – 8:00 p.m. Worship / Childermas Lessons & Carols

The Fifth Day of Christmas / Sunday, December 29, 2024
The First Sunday after Christmas Day / 10:00 – 11:00 a.m. Worship

The Sixth Day of Christmas / Monday, December 30, 2024
Feast of the Holy Family / 7:00 – 8:00 p.m.
Marian & Josephite Lessons & Carols

The Seventh Day of Christmas / Tuesday, December 31, 2024
Commemoration of John Wycliff, Reformer
7:00 – 8:00 p.m. Worship

The Eighth Day of Christmas / Wednesday, January 1, 2025
Feast of The Holy Name of Jesus / 7:00 – 7:30 p.m. Worship

The Ninth Day of Christmas / Thursday, January 2, 2025
7:00 – 7:30 p.m.
Carol Exploration: Virginal, Harpsichord & Organ by Joseph Petit

The Tenth Day of Christmas / Friday, January 3, 2025
Commemoration of Kaj Munk, Martyr 7:00 – 8:00 p.m.

The Eleventh Day of Christmas / Saturday, January 4, 2025
Twelfth Night Revelrie with East Metro Community Music Association,
St. Aidan’s Choir, and guests / 7:00 p.m.

The Twelfth Day of Christmas / Sunday, January 5, 2025
The Second Sunday after Christmas Day
10:00 – 11:00 a.m. Worship

The Feast of the Epiphany of Christ to the Gentiles
Monday, January 6, 2025
7:00 p.m. Choral Eucharist

In the epic finale to the Harry Potter™ Film Concert Series, the battle between good and evil forces of the wizarding world escalates into an all-out war! Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows™ Part 2 in Concert brings the final chapter to the big screen as the Oregon Symphony performs every note of the magical score. The stakes have never been higher!

For tickets and more information, visit orsymphony.org.

Artists
Deanna Tham, Conductor
Oregon Symphony

The First Day of Christmas / Wednesday, December 25, 2024
The Nativity of Our Lord
10:00 – 11:00 a.m. / Morning Prayer with Carols

The Second Day of Christmas / Thursday, December 26, 2024
Feast of St. Stephen, martyr / 7:00 – 7:30 p.m. Worship

The Third Day of Christmas / Friday, December 27, 2024
Feast of John, apostle and evangelist / 7:00 – 7:30 p.m. Worship

The Fourth Day of Christmas / Saturday, December 28, 2024
Feast of The Holy Innocents, Martyrs / 7:00 – 8:00 p.m. Worship / Childermas Lessons & Carols

The Fifth Day of Christmas / Sunday, December 29, 2024
The First Sunday after Christmas Day / 10:00 – 11:00 a.m. Worship

The Sixth Day of Christmas / Monday, December 30, 2024
Feast of the Holy Family / 7:00 – 8:00 p.m.
Marian & Josephite Lessons & Carols

The Seventh Day of Christmas / Tuesday, December 31, 2024
Commemoration of John Wycliff, Reformer
7:00 – 8:00 p.m. Worship

The Eighth Day of Christmas / Wednesday, January 1, 2025
Feast of The Holy Name of Jesus / 7:00 – 7:30 p.m. Worship

The Ninth Day of Christmas / Thursday, January 2, 2025
7:00 – 7:30 p.m.
Carol Exploration: Virginal, Harpsichord & Organ by Joseph Petit

The Tenth Day of Christmas / Friday, January 3, 2025
Commemoration of Kaj Munk, Martyr 7:00 – 8:00 p.m.

The Eleventh Day of Christmas / Saturday, January 4, 2025
Twelfth Night Revelrie with East Metro Community Music Association,
St. Aidan’s Choir, and guests / 7:00 p.m.

The Twelfth Day of Christmas / Sunday, January 5, 2025
The Second Sunday after Christmas Day
10:00 – 11:00 a.m. Worship

The Feast of the Epiphany of Christ to the Gentiles
Monday, January 6, 2025
7:00 p.m. Choral Eucharist

In the epic finale to the Harry Potter™ Film Concert Series, the battle between good and evil forces of the wizarding world escalates into an all-out war! Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows™ Part 2 in Concert brings the final chapter to the big screen as the Oregon Symphony performs every note of the magical score. The stakes have never been higher!

For tickets and more information, visit orsymphony.org.

Artists
Deanna Tham, Conductor
Oregon Symphony

The First Day of Christmas / Wednesday, December 25, 2024
The Nativity of Our Lord
10:00 – 11:00 a.m. / Morning Prayer with Carols

The Second Day of Christmas / Thursday, December 26, 2024
Feast of St. Stephen, martyr / 7:00 – 7:30 p.m. Worship

The Third Day of Christmas / Friday, December 27, 2024
Feast of John, apostle and evangelist / 7:00 – 7:30 p.m. Worship

The Fourth Day of Christmas / Saturday, December 28, 2024
Feast of The Holy Innocents, Martyrs / 7:00 – 8:00 p.m. Worship / Childermas Lessons & Carols

The Fifth Day of Christmas / Sunday, December 29, 2024
The First Sunday after Christmas Day / 10:00 – 11:00 a.m. Worship

The Sixth Day of Christmas / Monday, December 30, 2024
Feast of the Holy Family / 7:00 – 8:00 p.m.
Marian & Josephite Lessons & Carols

The Seventh Day of Christmas / Tuesday, December 31, 2024
Commemoration of John Wycliff, Reformer
7:00 – 8:00 p.m. Worship

The Eighth Day of Christmas / Wednesday, January 1, 2025
Feast of The Holy Name of Jesus / 7:00 – 7:30 p.m. Worship

The Ninth Day of Christmas / Thursday, January 2, 2025
7:00 – 7:30 p.m.
Carol Exploration: Virginal, Harpsichord & Organ by Joseph Petit

The Tenth Day of Christmas / Friday, January 3, 2025
Commemoration of Kaj Munk, Martyr 7:00 – 8:00 p.m.

The Eleventh Day of Christmas / Saturday, January 4, 2025
Twelfth Night Revelrie with East Metro Community Music Association,
St. Aidan’s Choir, and guests / 7:00 p.m.

The Twelfth Day of Christmas / Sunday, January 5, 2025
The Second Sunday after Christmas Day
10:00 – 11:00 a.m. Worship

The Feast of the Epiphany of Christ to the Gentiles
Monday, January 6, 2025
7:00 p.m. Choral Eucharist

Join us on January 5th for Wind Sextets by Beethoven and Seiber.

Jean-Philippe Rameau Govettes from Acante et Cephise (Arr. N. Davies)
Mátyás Seiber Serenade
L.v. Beethoven Sextet for Winds in E-flat, Op. 71

Louis DeMartino clarinet
James Shields clarinet
Joseph Berger horn
Alicia Waite horn
Vincent Igusa bassoon
Kai Rocke bassoon

Van Wheeler spoken word

In the epic finale to the Harry Potter™ Film Concert Series, the battle between good and evil forces of the wizarding world escalates into an all-out war! Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows™ Part 2 in Concert brings the final chapter to the big screen as the Oregon Symphony performs every note of the magical score. The stakes have never been higher!

For tickets and more information, visit orsymphony.org.

Artists
Deanna Tham, Conductor
Oregon Symphony

The First Day of Christmas / Wednesday, December 25, 2024
The Nativity of Our Lord
10:00 – 11:00 a.m. / Morning Prayer with Carols

The Second Day of Christmas / Thursday, December 26, 2024
Feast of St. Stephen, martyr / 7:00 – 7:30 p.m. Worship

The Third Day of Christmas / Friday, December 27, 2024
Feast of John, apostle and evangelist / 7:00 – 7:30 p.m. Worship

The Fourth Day of Christmas / Saturday, December 28, 2024
Feast of The Holy Innocents, Martyrs / 7:00 – 8:00 p.m. Worship / Childermas Lessons & Carols

The Fifth Day of Christmas / Sunday, December 29, 2024
The First Sunday after Christmas Day / 10:00 – 11:00 a.m. Worship

The Sixth Day of Christmas / Monday, December 30, 2024
Feast of the Holy Family / 7:00 – 8:00 p.m.
Marian & Josephite Lessons & Carols

The Seventh Day of Christmas / Tuesday, December 31, 2024
Commemoration of John Wycliff, Reformer
7:00 – 8:00 p.m. Worship

The Eighth Day of Christmas / Wednesday, January 1, 2025
Feast of The Holy Name of Jesus / 7:00 – 7:30 p.m. Worship

The Ninth Day of Christmas / Thursday, January 2, 2025
7:00 – 7:30 p.m.
Carol Exploration: Virginal, Harpsichord & Organ by Joseph Petit

The Tenth Day of Christmas / Friday, January 3, 2025
Commemoration of Kaj Munk, Martyr 7:00 – 8:00 p.m.

The Eleventh Day of Christmas / Saturday, January 4, 2025
Twelfth Night Revelrie with East Metro Community Music Association,
St. Aidan’s Choir, and guests / 7:00 p.m.

The Twelfth Day of Christmas / Sunday, January 5, 2025
The Second Sunday after Christmas Day
10:00 – 11:00 a.m. Worship

The Feast of the Epiphany of Christ to the Gentiles
Monday, January 6, 2025
7:00 p.m. Choral Eucharist

Winners of the 2023 Avery Fisher Career Grant, and the 14th Banff International String Quartet Competition, this New York City-based quartet is taking the chamber music world by storm. Formed in 2019 with a vision to revisit, rediscover, and reinvigorate the repertory, the ensemble is heavily influenced by the Julliard String Quartet and the idea of approaching the established as if it were brand new, and the new as if it were firmly established.

For tickets and more information, visit focm.org. 

Winners of the 2023 Avery Fisher Career Grant, and the 14th Banff International String Quartet Competition, this New York City-based quartet is taking the chamber music world by storm. Formed in 2019 with a vision to revisit, rediscover, and reinvigorate the repertory, the ensemble is heavily influenced by the Julliard String Quartet and the idea of approaching the established as if it were brand new, and the new as if it were firmly established.

For tickets and more information, visit focm.org. 

A program of music from the court of the French kings Louis XIII and XIV. A multi-genres vocalist with a wide repertoire ranging from medieval to modern, Barbara is a much-decorated force in the Boston early music scene. Dan is a multi-instrumentalist that specializes in early winds and percussion who has performed in some of the most celebrated ensembles in the country including the Folger Consort and Boston Camerata.

The program will highlight court songs of 17th-century France. These songs were primarily meant for private consumption by the nobility, and shows a tender, intimate side of early-to mid-Baroque music. They express sentiments of loss, longing and heartbreak – very relatable subjects even to us, who are separated from the original intended audience through time and social status.

Composed while the Napoleonic Wars raged outside his door, Beethoven’s heroic piano concerto receives a powerhouse performance from the world-renowned Yefim Bronfman, who brings “fire and poetry” (Seattle Post-Intelligencer) to each epic moment. And Duke Ellington connects past and present in the jazzy dreamscapes of Three Black Kings, his soulful tribute to Martin Luther King, Jr.

For tickets and more information, visit orsymphony.org. 

Program
Joan Tower: Sixth Fanfare for the Uncommon Woman
Ellington: Three Black Kings (Ballet for Orchestra)
Beethoven: King Stephen Overture
Beethoven: Piano Concerto No. 5, “Emperor”

Artists
David Danzmayr, Conductor
Yefim Bronfman, Piano

Composed while the Napoleonic Wars raged outside his door, Beethoven’s heroic piano concerto receives a powerhouse performance from the world-renowned Yefim Bronfman, who brings “fire and poetry” (Seattle Post-Intelligencer) to each epic moment. And Duke Ellington connects past and present in the jazzy dreamscapes of Three Black Kings, his soulful tribute to Martin Luther King, Jr.

For tickets and more information, visit orsymphony.org. 

Program
Joan Tower: Sixth Fanfare for the Uncommon Woman
Ellington: Three Black Kings (Ballet for Orchestra)
Beethoven: King Stephen Overture
Beethoven: Piano Concerto No. 5, “Emperor”

Artists
David Danzmayr, Conductor
Yefim Bronfman, Piano

Whether you are a longtime lover of classical music or seeking an unforgettable cultural experience, this is a concert not to be missed. Prepare to be swept away by the extraordinary artistry of Dénes Várjon, who is returning to PPI after a wildly acclaimed first performance with us five years ago. The evening begins with Brahms’s 7 Fantasies, op. 116, where Várjon’s introspective artistry will illuminate these late piano works’ intimate and reflective nature. He will capture the rhythmic vitality and folk-inspired melodies of Bartók’s Dance Suite, a piece that embodies the essence of Hungarian musical heritage. The journey continues with Liszt’s evocative Vallée d’Obermann from Années de pèlerinage, an invitation to a soul-searching exploration of passion and introspection.
The program crescendos with a captivating selection of Chopin’s masterpieces, starting with the Beethoven-inspired brilliance of the Fantaisie-Impromptu in C-sharp Minor. The audience will be immersed in the sonorous glory and über romantic beauty of the Nocturne in D-flat Major. Soon after, listeners will buzz with the rhythmic Etudes op. 25, Nos. 1 and 2, the iconic Mazurka in B-flat Minor, and the rebellious spirit of the Fantaisie in F Minor. These pieces make for the perfect sample platter of the beauty of Chopin’s music and legacy. This is more than a performance—it is an opportunity to experience music’s power to transform, as Várjon’s artistry turns each note into an intimate dialogue with the audience.

MYS’ dynamic January concert will feature a guest artist who breaks the barriers of how and where classical music can be performed and enjoyed: Hunter Noack!

In performance with Symphony Orchestra, Noack will present Sergei Rachmaninoff’s ‘Piano Concerto No.2, Op.18.’ Noack is a classical pianist and founder of the wilderness concert series, “IN A LANDSCAPE: Classical Music in the Wild™”, a unique example of solo performance breaking the confines of the concert hall.

Further, Symphony Orchestra will present the world premiere of ‘Seas of Glass’ by YCP/Authentic Voice student composer Frazar Henry. The concert will also feature the winners of MYS’ Concerto Competition: Leena Karmarkar (violin) will perform ‘Violin Concerto in A minor, Op. 53, Mvt. 3’ by Antonín Dvořák, and Kaden Prichard (clarinet) will perform ‘Clarinet Concerto No. 2 in E-flat major, Op. 74, Mvt. 3’ by Carl Maria von Weber.

MYS’ dynamic January concert will feature a guest artist who breaks the barriers of how and where classical music can be performed and enjoyed: Hunter Noack!

In performance with Symphony Orchestra, Noack will present Sergei Rachmaninoff’s Piano Concerto No.2, Op.18. Noack is a classical pianist and founder of the wilderness concert series, “IN A LANDSCAPE: Classical Music in the Wild™”, a unique example of solo performance breaking the confines of the concert hall.

Further, Symphony Orchestra will present the world premiere of Seas of Glass by YCP/Authentic Voice student composer Frazar Henry. The concert will also feature the winners of MYS’ Concerto Competition: Leena Karmarkar (violin) will perform Violin Concerto in A minor, Op. 53, Mvt. 3 by Antonín Dvořák, and Kaden Prichard (clarinet) will perform Clarinet Concerto No. 2 in E-flat major, Op. 74, Mvt. 3 by Carl Maria von Weber.

For tickets and more information, visit playmys.org.

Composed while the Napoleonic Wars raged outside his door, Beethoven’s heroic piano concerto receives a powerhouse performance from the world-renowned Yefim Bronfman, who brings “fire and poetry” (Seattle Post-Intelligencer) to each epic moment. And Duke Ellington connects past and present in the jazzy dreamscapes of Three Black Kings, his soulful tribute to Martin Luther King, Jr.

For tickets and more information, visit orsymphony.org. 

Program
Joan Tower: Sixth Fanfare for the Uncommon Woman
Ellington: Three Black Kings (Ballet for Orchestra)
Beethoven: King Stephen Overture
Beethoven: Piano Concerto No. 5, “Emperor”

Artists
David Danzmayr, Conductor
Yefim Bronfman, Piano

Whether you are a longtime lover of classical music or seeking an unforgettable cultural experience, this is a concert not to be missed. Prepare to be swept away by the extraordinary artistry of Dénes Várjon, who is returning to PPI after a wildly acclaimed first performance with us five years ago. The evening begins with Brahms’s 7 Fantasies, op. 116, where Várjon’s introspective artistry will illuminate these late piano works’ intimate and reflective nature. He will capture the rhythmic vitality and folk-inspired melodies of Bartók’s Dance Suite, a piece that embodies the essence of Hungarian musical heritage. The journey continues with Liszt’s evocative Vallée d’Obermann from Années de pèlerinage, an invitation to a soul-searching exploration of passion and introspection.
The program crescendos with a captivating selection of Chopin’s masterpieces, starting with the Beethoven-inspired brilliance of the Fantaisie-Impromptu in C-sharp Minor. The audience will be immersed in the sonorous glory and über romantic beauty of the Nocturne in D-flat Major. Soon after, listeners will buzz with the rhythmic Etudes op. 25, Nos. 1 and 2, the iconic Mazurka in B-flat Minor, and the rebellious spirit of the Fantaisie in F Minor. These pieces make for the perfect sample platter of the beauty of Chopin’s music and legacy. This is more than a performance—it is an opportunity to experience music’s power to transform, as Várjon’s artistry turns each note into an intimate dialogue with the audience.

The Vancouver Symphony Orchestra’s second Back to the Movies performance of the 2024-2025 season. Played with live accompaniment by the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra chamber ensemble.

Produced in 1929 by First National Pictures, WHY BE GOOD? features the story of a young saleswoman, Pert Kelly, who gains the attention of her boss’s son, Peabody Jr., during a late night of dancing. The following day, Pert finds herself in a compromising situation after arriving late to work and uncovering just who her future date truly is.

Admission is $25. $10 student tickets are available at the door.

For tickets and more information, visit vancouversymphony.org. 

Music and libretto by Hector Berlioz

Following last season’s celebrated Samson and Delilah in Concert, join us for an abridged version of Hector Berlioz’s epic in a concert version featuring full orchestra and chorus. Les Troyens à Carthage (Acts 3, 4, & 5) begins after the fall of Troy as Aeneas arrives at Carthage with tales of the Trojan War. Upon arrival, he orders his army to assist Queen Dido in defeating the invading Nubians before falling in love with the Queen himself. However, when duty calls, the two lovers are parted while a funeral pyre burns.

For the Seattle Opera debut of Berlioz’s 19th-century grand opera, we are excited to welcome back mezzo-soprano and Tacoma native J’Nai Bridges (Samson and Delilah in Concert ’23) as Dido, the Queen of Carthage, and Russell Thomas, (Nabucco ’15) “a tenor of gorgeously burnished power” (The New York Times), as Aeneas.

A showstopping ode to the power of dance, Beethoven’s Seventh Symphony brims with an unbridled energy certain to make your heart race. The composer’s Violin Concerto — which ends with its own rollicking tune — trades in technical fireworks for transcendent lyricism, while Jimmy López Bellido’s Fiesta! shakes up Baroque dance forms with elements of pop, techno, and Latin music.

For tickets and more information, visit orsymphony.org.

Program
Jimmy López Bellido: Fiesta!
Beethoven: Violin Concerto
Beethoven: Symphony No. 7

Artists
David Danzmayr, Conductor
Clara-Jumi Kang, Violin

Smith Auditorium, Willamette University, 270 Winter St. SE, Salem, OR 97301
Friday, January 17, 2024 at 7:30 PM

Arlene Schnitzer Concert Hall, 1037 SW Broadway, Portland, OR 97205
Saturday, January 18, 2024 at 7:30 PM
Sunday, January 19, 2024 at 2:00 PM
Monday, January 20, 2024 at 7:30 PM

Described by Chicago Tribune critic John Von Rhein as “uncommonly talented”, Samberg began performing his own music at the age of ten. Growing up in Chicago, he engaged with the new music scene, and studied privately with composer and pianist Frank Abbinanti. In 2003, he was described as an “eco-pianist” at the Portland Village Building Convergence (especially due to his composition Larsen B, named after one of the largest ice shelves to ever fall off of Antarctica.)

A champion of contemporary music, Samberg was honored to play John Cage’s Concert For Piano and Orchestra at the Cage centennial event at New England Conservatory, and received a composition degree at CalArts, studying under Michael Pisaro, Nicholas Deyoe, Mark Lowenstein, and Vicki Rae. He performed on keyboards for the experimental US black metal band Liturgy in the world premiere of their multimedia opera, Origin of the Alimonies, and collaborated with C. Eule Dance Company in an original choreographed worked called Zero Tolerance, about the forced separation of families by ICE agents at the US-Mexico border.

Since 2020, he has lived in Seattle, and has continued to take cues from nature, environmentalism, and aspects of human relationships to inform his vibrant compositions for piano solo. For this concert, he’s thrilled to also present works by renowned Seattle-based composer Garrett Fischer.

Join him for an introspective winter afternoon of intricate, original piano music in a historic Portland venue.

A showstopping ode to the power of dance, Beethoven’s Seventh Symphony brims with an unbridled energy certain to make your heart race. The composer’s Violin Concerto — which ends with its own rollicking tune — trades in technical fireworks for transcendent lyricism, while Jimmy López Bellido’s Fiesta! shakes up Baroque dance forms with elements of pop, techno, and Latin music.

For tickets and more information, visit orsymphony.org.

Program
Jimmy López Bellido: Fiesta!
Beethoven: Violin Concerto
Beethoven: Symphony No. 7

Artists
David Danzmayr, Conductor
Clara-Jumi Kang, Violin

Smith Auditorium, Willamette University, 270 Winter St. SE, Salem, OR 97301
Friday, January 17, 2024 at 7:30 PM

Arlene Schnitzer Concert Hall, 1037 SW Broadway, Portland, OR 97205
Saturday, January 18, 2024 at 7:30 PM
Sunday, January 19, 2024 at 2:00 PM
Monday, January 20, 2024 at 7:30 PM

Generously supported by the Regional Arts & Culture Council (RACC) and the University of Portland, our winter double bill features two family-friendly operas that center on animals, found family, and love that lasts fur-ever! Pepito and Meow and Forever are both short operas, making this a purr-fect introduction to opera for listeners of any age!

Pepito by Nicolás Lell Benavides & Marella Martin Koch
Pepito, a lonely shelter dog, misses his old family and his old life. Camila and David, young married professionals, are searching for the perfect dog. As Camila and Pepito form an unshakeable bond, the cracks in Camila and David’s marriage deepen, and Angie, the manager of the shelter, asks them the hard question: are they sure they are ready for this? (Runtime: ~25 minutes)

Meow and Forever by Jodi Goble & Basil Considine
​Bailey is swept away in a whirlwind romance with Asha, neglecting her other obligations…and her best friend, Alex. This drama is looked upon with bemusement by Bailey’s cats – Chester and Nala – who have their own priorities, interjecting themselves into the scenes AND music! Events come to a head when Alex comes over to confront Bailey about her friend-abandonment, and the two affectionately make up just in time for Asha to misconstrue everything. And yes, yes, there is a trio with singing cats. Happy ending guaranteed! ​(Runtime: ~40 minutes)

Run Time: Up to 90 minutes, including an intermission.

Cast & Creative Team

Pepito
Camila: Lindsey Rae Johnson
Angie: Lisa Neher
David: Brandon Michael
Pepito: Timothy Lafolette

Meow and Forever
Bailey: Gina Adorno
Alex: Henriët Fourie
Asha: Lindsey Rae Johnson
Nala: Dru Rutledge
Chester: Lisa Neher

Director: Jeffrey Puukka
Pianist: Susan McDaniel
Creative Team: Kimberly R. Osberg

Music and libretto by Hector Berlioz

Following last season’s celebrated Samson and Delilah in Concert, join us for an abridged version of Hector Berlioz’s epic in a concert version featuring full orchestra and chorus. Les Troyens à Carthage (Acts 3, 4, & 5) begins after the fall of Troy as Aeneas arrives at Carthage with tales of the Trojan War. Upon arrival, he orders his army to assist Queen Dido in defeating the invading Nubians before falling in love with the Queen himself. However, when duty calls, the two lovers are parted while a funeral pyre burns.

For the Seattle Opera debut of Berlioz’s 19th-century grand opera, we are excited to welcome back mezzo-soprano and Tacoma native J’Nai Bridges (Samson and Delilah in Concert ’23) as Dido, the Queen of Carthage, and Russell Thomas, (Nabucco ’15) “a tenor of gorgeously burnished power” (The New York Times), as Aeneas.

Generously supported by the Regional Arts & Culture Council (RACC) and the University of Portland, our winter double bill features two family-friendly operas that center on animals, found family, and love that lasts fur-ever! Pepito and Meow and Forever are both short operas, making this a purr-fect introduction to opera for listeners of any age!

Pepito by Nicolás Lell Benavides & Marella Martin Koch
Pepito, a lonely shelter dog, misses his old family and his old life. Camila and David, young married professionals, are searching for the perfect dog. As Camila and Pepito form an unshakeable bond, the cracks in Camila and David’s marriage deepen, and Angie, the manager of the shelter, asks them the hard question: are they sure they are ready for this? (Runtime: ~25 minutes)

Meow and Forever by Jodi Goble & Basil Considine
​Bailey is swept away in a whirlwind romance with Asha, neglecting her other obligations…and her best friend, Alex. This drama is looked upon with bemusement by Bailey’s cats – Chester and Nala – who have their own priorities, interjecting themselves into the scenes AND music! Events come to a head when Alex comes over to confront Bailey about her friend-abandonment, and the two affectionately make up just in time for Asha to misconstrue everything. And yes, yes, there is a trio with singing cats. Happy ending guaranteed! ​(Runtime: ~40 minutes)

Run Time: Up to 90 minutes, including an intermission.

Cast & Creative Team

Pepito
Camila: Lindsey Rae Johnson
Angie: Lisa Neher
David: Brandon Michael
Pepito: Timothy Lafolette

Meow and Forever
Bailey: Gina Adorno
Alex: Henriët Fourie
Asha: Lindsey Rae Johnson
Nala: Dru Rutledge
Chester: Lisa Neher

Director: Jeffrey Puukka
Pianist: Susan McDaniel
Creative Team: Kimberly R. Osberg

A showstopping ode to the power of dance, Beethoven’s Seventh Symphony brims with an unbridled energy certain to make your heart race. The composer’s Violin Concerto — which ends with its own rollicking tune — trades in technical fireworks for transcendent lyricism, while Jimmy López Bellido’s Fiesta! shakes up Baroque dance forms with elements of pop, techno, and Latin music.

For tickets and more information, visit orsymphony.org.

Program
Jimmy López Bellido: Fiesta!
Beethoven: Violin Concerto
Beethoven: Symphony No. 7

Artists
David Danzmayr, Conductor
Clara-Jumi Kang, Violin

Smith Auditorium, Willamette University, 270 Winter St. SE, Salem, OR 97301
Friday, January 17, 2024 at 7:30 PM

Arlene Schnitzer Concert Hall, 1037 SW Broadway, Portland, OR 97205
Saturday, January 18, 2024 at 7:30 PM
Sunday, January 19, 2024 at 2:00 PM
Monday, January 20, 2024 at 7:30 PM

We are holding a free audition for our Summer Ballet Intensives, Curriculum and Career Track program on January 20th, 2025. Learn more on our website at theportlandballet.org

Summer Ballet Intensives:
Young Dancer Summer: July 14 – August 1 & August 11-22
Ages: 6-12
This weekly or bi-weekly program is suited for those wishing to keep their skills sharp and stay active over the summer. New this summer, YDS will be presented in two sessions: a three-week session in July and a two-week session in August. Attending both sessions provides the best preparation for the 2025–26 curriculum year.

Intermediate Ballet Intensive: July 14 – August 2, 2025
Ages: 11-16
This 3-week program is designed to develop technical precision and artistic expression, the program Monday through Saturday. Dancers will train in ballet technique, pointe, performance workshops, contemporary, African, and other dance styles.

Advanced/Upper Intermediate Choreography Intensive: August 11 – 23, 2025
This 2-week program is for advanced and upper-intermediate dancers, to refine technical skills and deepen artistic understanding. From Monday through Saturday, participants will work closely with distinguished faculty to learn and perform a range of classical and contemporary repertoire.

Curriculum Ballet Program:
Year round program provides dancers ages 6-18 with a strong technical foundation and prepares them for a career in dance.

Career Track Program:
Pre-professional day program that offers well-trained, advanced dancers with professional intent in a setting that simulates a professional company experience. Students aged 14-22 who wish to pursue a performance career are eligible to audition for the program.

A showstopping ode to the power of dance, Beethoven’s Seventh Symphony brims with an unbridled energy certain to make your heart race. The composer’s Violin Concerto — which ends with its own rollicking tune — trades in technical fireworks for transcendent lyricism, while Jimmy López Bellido’s Fiesta! shakes up Baroque dance forms with elements of pop, techno, and Latin music.

For tickets and more information, visit orsymphony.org.

Program
Jimmy López Bellido: Fiesta!
Beethoven: Violin Concerto
Beethoven: Symphony No. 7

Artists
David Danzmayr, Conductor
Clara-Jumi Kang, Violin

Smith Auditorium, Willamette University, 270 Winter St. SE, Salem, OR 97301
Friday, January 17, 2024 at 7:30 PM

Arlene Schnitzer Concert Hall, 1037 SW Broadway, Portland, OR 97205
Saturday, January 18, 2024 at 7:30 PM
Sunday, January 19, 2024 at 2:00 PM
Monday, January 20, 2024 at 7:30 PM

National Geographic Live brings you behind-the-scenes stories and unforgettable imagery from world-renowned photographers, scientists, filmmakers, and adventurers—live on stage.

Filmmaker and National Geographic Fellow Sandesh Kadur first encountered a wild cat in his native India as a teenager—after sitting in a tree for hours under a full moon, a leopard walked directly under him. The experience sparked a fascination that led him to spend his career documenting the country’s unmatched diversity of wild cats.

With landscapes spanning the towering Himalaya, arid plains, and dense jungles, India is home to a wider array of wild cats than anywhere else in the world. While many of the big cats are well known and thoroughly documented, photographer and filmmaker Sandesh Kadur is on a mission to highlight the country’s lesser-known felines to protect their future. Discover the tiny, grumpy-faced Pallas’s cat, the fishing cat that jumps into water to catch its prey, and the ancient, elusive clouded leopard. Join National Geographic Live series to get an up-close look at a world of wild cats you’ve never seen before, all through Kadur’s captivating images and video.

Four-time GRAMMY® Award winner Antonio Sánchez, one of the most renowned drummers in the international jazz scene, takes the stage to celebrate  the 10th anniversary celebration of Birdman, Alejandro Iñárritu’s Academy Award winning Best Picture starring Michael Keaton, Edward Norton, Emma Stone and Naomi Watts. During a screening of the film, Sánchez will recreate his score, but as Sánchez improvised most of the original music for the film, each performance is unique — a showcase of his musical creativity. This performance immerses the audience in the riveting film while experiencing the power of storytelling through live music.

Born in Mexico City, he began playing the drums at the age of five, and was playing professionally by the time he was a teenager. He pursued a degree in classical piano at the National Conservatory in Mexico and later graduated magna cum laude from both the Berklee College of Music and the New England Conservatory. He collaborated with Pat Metheny for 18 years, and has worked with greats such as Chick Corea, Gary Burton, Michael Brecker and Charlie Haden. His latest album, SHIFT, features Trent Reznor and Dave Mathews. Said the New York Times, “[Sánchez is] one of the standout jazz drummers on the contemporary scene, a polyrhythmic ace attuned to the subtlest dynamic fluctuations.” Said 20-time GRAMMY® winner Metheny, “I honestly never thought a musician like him would ever be born. He’s a dream….one of the greatest musicians I have ever seen.”

Experience Steve Hackman’s thrilling new blend of pop/R&B’s queen and classical music’s king as Beyoncé’s iconic repertoire is seamlessly interwoven with Beethoven’s Seventh Symphony.

The symphonic world’s most joyful celebration of dance becomes the backdrop to fifteen of Beyoncé’s chart-topping hits—including “Run the World (Girls),” “Crazy in Love,” “Single Ladies,” “Sorry,” “Halo,” “Cuff It,” and “Texas Hold ‘Em”—in this innovative new musical fusion.

Prepare to be mesmerized as three powerhouse female soloists—accompanied by a guest drummer, guitarist/keyboardist, and bassist—join forces with your Oregon Symphony for a night to remember!

For tickets and more information, visit orsymphony.org. 

Artists
Steve Hackman, Conductor & Creator
Kaylah Sharve, Brayla Cook & Malia Civetz, Vocalists
Jackie Whitmill, Drums
Dmitry Gorodetsky, Electric Bass
Andrew Lipke, Guitar & Keyboard
Oregon Symphony

Saint-Saëns – “Bacchanale” from Samson and Delilah
Delius – “The Walk to the Paradise Garden” from A Village Romeo and Juliet
Sibelius – Symphony No. 2 in D major, op. 43

Friday, January 24, 2025 at 7:00pm at Village Church
Sunday, January 26, 2025 at 3:00pm at Village Church

For tickets and more information, visit beavertonsymphony.org. 

You are cordially invited to attend an elegant Viennese ball, where fine dining, enchanting music, and ballroom dancing will be at the forefront of an unforgettable evening. Upon arrival, the ladies will be greeted with a little gift from Vienna. Proceed to the ballroom to the sounds of Viennese waltzes. We will serve an Austrian inspired three-course sit-down dinner.
After the final course has been served, our lovely Ballerinas will grace the ballroom by opening the evening with a beautiful Strauss waltz. Join us for a delightful evening of ballroom dancing on the spacious oak floor until 11:00 PM. Enjoy a variety of dances, including the Viennese Waltz, Polka, Foxtrot, Swing, Tango, Cha-cha, Samba, Rumba and Slow Waltz. Our DJ from Event Team Entertainment will provide an enchanting blend of Strauss waltzes and classic ballroom dance music to keep you moving throughout the night. This evening promises to be a sophisticated event that will stay with you for years to come. Space is limited, so don’t miss out on the opportunity to attend this unforgettable Viennese ball. Tables seat 8 or 10.

This concert features the winners of our annual Young Artists competition. The Vancouver Symphony Orchestra has a pair of features as well: we open with Albert Roussel’s colorful, impressionistic music for his ballet Bacchus et Ariane. Composed in 1930, the work is based upon the Classical myth of Ariadne, princess of Crete. The most well-known part of the story has her falling in love with the Greek hero Theseus, and helping him to defeat the horrible Minotaur. Ariadne is later abandoned by Theseus on the island of Naxos, where she encounters the god Bacchus (Dionysus) and becomes his queen. The ballet, featuring choreography by Serge Lifar and sets by surrealist painter Giorio de Chirico, was a success, and Roussel published two suites from its score—the music of the suites is largely unchanged from the music of the ballet’s two acts.

After the Young Artist selections, we close with sensuous, and sometimes rowdy music from Manuel de Falla’s Spanish-themed ballet The Three-Cornered Hat which was the result of a commission by impresario Serge Diaghilev for his famous ballet company, the Ballets Russe. The ballet is in two scenes, with Alarcón’s farcical story set as a series of traditional Andalucian dances. The two suites draw on the main musical episodes of these two scenes, and are presented in the order of the original ballet score. The ballet opens with a bold trumpet fanfare, and then more languid music with flashes of humor that sets the scene. The second scene begins with a pair of thoroughly macho flourishes from the horn and English horn and continues in a series of dramatically rhythmic phrases, leading to a furious ending. The ballet closes with the entire ensemble in the Final Dance, a jota with a lively cross-rhythm throughout. The music is alternately light-hearted and dramatic, but in the end brings this set to a joyful conclusion.

For tickets and more information, visit vancouversymphony.org. 

Experience the epic clash of good versus evil—with a touch of romance. This orchestral spectacular brings cinema’s most iconic rivalries and love stories to life through breathtaking scores. Feel the Force as Luke Skywalker confronts Darth Vader while Leia’s theme soars, witness Batman’s struggle against the Joker set to Gotham’s brooding melodies, and join Superman’s fight with Lex Luthor accompanied by triumphant fanfares. Featuring the legendary compositions of John Williams and other renowned film composers, this concert immerses you in the musical landscapes that define these timeless tales. Don’t miss this symphonic journey through heroism, villainy, and the power of love in film history. And yes, costumes are encouraged!   

For tickets and more information, visit orsymphony.org.

Artists
Jeff Tyzik, Conductor
Oregon Symphony

Join us on January 26th for Mozart, Mazzoli, and Martinů.

W.A. Mozart Allegro in F for Clarinet, Basset Horn, and String Trio, Ahn. 90 K. 580b
Missy Mazzoli Lies You Can Believe In
Bohuslav Martinů Serenade for Two Clarinets and String Trio

Alicia Lee clarinet
James Shields clarinet and basset horn
Emily Cole violin
Amanda Grimm viola
Kevin Kunkel cello

Julia Gaskill spoken word

Experience the epic clash of good versus evil—with a touch of romance. This orchestral spectacular brings cinema’s most iconic rivalries and love stories to life through breathtaking scores. Feel the Force as Luke Skywalker confronts Darth Vader while Leia’s theme soars, witness Batman’s struggle against the Joker set to Gotham’s brooding melodies, and join Superman’s fight with Lex Luthor accompanied by triumphant fanfares. Featuring the legendary compositions of John Williams and other renowned film composers, this concert immerses you in the musical landscapes that define these timeless tales. Don’t miss this symphonic journey through heroism, villainy, and the power of love in film history. And yes, costumes are encouraged!   

For tickets and more information, visit orsymphony.org.

Artists
Jeff Tyzik, Conductor
Oregon Symphony

Saint-Saëns – “Bacchanale” from Samson and Delilah
Delius – “The Walk to the Paradise Garden” from A Village Romeo and Juliet
Sibelius – Symphony No. 2 in D major, op. 43

Friday, January 24, 2025 at 7:00pm at Village Church
Sunday, January 26, 2025 at 3:00pm at Village Church

For tickets and more information, visit beavertonsymphony.org. 

This special evening features the west coast premiere of Andy Akiho’s new piece written for 45^th Parallel, plus the world premiere of a new work by Aeryn Santillan! The program also includes Daniel Wohl’s award winning composition Holographic, with stunning visual projections by Daniel Schwarz. For tickets and more information, visit 45thparallelpdx.org.

WORKS
Andy Akiho: West Coast Premiere
Aeryn Santillan: World Premiere
Daniel Wohl: Holographic

PERFORMERS
Sergio Carreno, percussion
Stephen Kehner, percussion
Michael Roberts, percussion

New Year, New Akiho
Tuesday, January 28, 2025
Patricia Reser Center for the Arts, 12625 SW Crescent St., Beaverton, OR 97005

Let your soul dance to the rhythm of life! Celebrating more than 40 years, Kodo returns to North America with One Earth Tour 2025: Warabe, a thrilling performance that revisits the ensemble’s early repertoire – blending simple forms of taiko expression that highlight its unique sound, resonance, and physicality. With Warabe, Kodo explores the desire to play the drums with the simple heart of a child. These highly athletic drummers, bearers of a centuries-old Japanese tradition, create a universe of sound and emotion through thunderous percussion and polished theatricality. Capturing the essence of Kodo’s early days, this family-friendly performance celebrates the ensemble’s enduring spirit as children of the drum. Come and experience the soul-stirring rhythm of life firsthand.

*The Oregon Symphony does not perform

For tickets and more information, visit orsymphony.org. 

The Oregon Mandolin Orchestra (OMO) returns with a captivating performance showcasing modern composers and new music for mandolins! Seeking to support working musicians around the world while sustaining and growing the tradition of plucked-string orchestra music, OMO will celebrate the mandolin’s heritage and global popularity with beautiful and adventurous compositions from Europe, Japan, and the United States.

Bringing the music of Victor Kioulaphides that evokes sunny afternoons at an Athenian café, and Masataka Hori’s sweeping Avvenire that overflows with the optimism and opportunity of the future, be prepared for a musical adventure across the globe.

Two pieces previously commissioned by and dedicated to the group will also be performed: Oregonia by John Goodin and Northern Waters by OMO’s founding director, Brian Oberlin. The evening will also debut a newly commissioned work from composer Nicole Buetti.

Christina and Andrés are 123 Andrés, the GRAMMY and Latin Grammy-winning duo for kids and families known for their interactive, high energy shows. They bring fresh original songs that blend Spanish and English, with an eclectic mix of sounds from all corners of Latin America. 123 Andrés pack their show with positive vibes and energetic songs that get the whole family dancing and learning.

Actívate means “get active” and true to that spirit, the audience participates every step of the way – helping recover some missing birds, untangling hilarious mishaps, contributing ideas, and more. Actívate promotes self-affirmation and creativity, blending Spanish language, rhythms, and lots of opportunities to move.