FORTISSIMO LISTENING GROUP TO EXPLORE VIVALDI'S FOUR SEASONS
____________________________________________________________________________________

Portland, Ore. … In a free, open forum for people with little or no formal music education, Ralph Nelson, Marketing Director of the Oregon Symphony, will host a discussion on music's Baroque period during Fortissimo's October Listening group meeting Tuesday, Oct. 23, from 6 to 7 p.m. at Classical Millennium Northwest (801 NW 23rd Ave.) The Fortissimo Listening Group is sponsored by Classical Millennium Northwest.

Nelson will use examples from a work to be performed in the Symphony's 2001-2002 Baroque concert Nov. 24, Vivaldi's "Four Seasons." In particular, Nelson will help guide listeners to discover the imagery so beautifully portrayed by Vivaldi in his masterpiece. From buzzing bees to thunderstorms, from skates slipping on the ice to the sound of dogs barking during a hunt, Nelson will guide listeners to "hear" these delightful scenes within the music.

Nelson has been on the administrative staff of the Oregon Symphony for over 20 years. A graduate of Amherst College, he also studied composition with Nadia Boulanger in France. He has written numerous articles for Oregon Symphony programs and often lectures at Oregon Symphony concerts. In addition to his administrative duties at the Symphony, Nelson also is a pianist, organist, conductor and composer.

Fortissimo, the Oregon Symphony's young professional volunteer organization, provides the listening group as an open forum for people with little or no formal music education to share thoughts on music and expose themselves to new perspectives in a friendly environment. Fortissimo Listening Group meets at Classical Millennium once a month (801 NW 23rd Ave.) and is free and open to the public. For more information and a schedule of meetings, call 503-228-4294, e-mail fortissimo@orsymphony.org or visit the Symphony's Web site at www.orsymphony.org.