February 13, 2004
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Portland, Ore. … A dazzling array of six eclectic world-class performers and events from the classical music world and beyond are featured in the Oregon Symphony’s 2004-05 Special Events series, with Perlman’s solo recital appearance as the highlight. Other Special Events concerts include a special Baroque-style performance of Handel’s “Messiah” with the Portland Symphonic Choir and a quartet of exciting young soloists, a one-woman show by comedian Lily Tomlin, local crossover violin sensation Aaron Meyer, and the return of the ever-popular Gospel Christmas and Yuletide Celebration.
Itzhak Perlman has become the pre-eminent classical violinist of his generation and his performances have been praised around the world for their emotional depth and stunning technical virtuosity. In a review of one of Perlman’s recital appearances last season, The Minneapolis Star Tribune wrote: “Perlman truly shone, letting his instrument sing, communicating a depth of feeling that did not need a text.” On Jan. 5, 2005, Perlman will make a rare appearance in Portland to present an evening of solo and chamber violin music.
Although Handel’s “Messiah” is easily the best-known and best-loved oratorio of all time, it has not been performed by the Symphony in its entirety for several seasons. Internationally renowned Baroque specialist Bernard Labadie will join with the Symphony, members of Portland Symphonic Choir and an exciting quartet of specially selected singers including soprano Shannon Mercer, countertenor Matthew White, tenor Colin Blazer and bass Joshua Hopkins to present an authentic Baroque-style performance of the popular Handel masterpiece on Dec. 11, 2004.
Comedian Lily Tomlin, a recent recipient of the coveted Mark Twain Humor Prize “is a one woman population explosion of merriment…[and] displays her skills honed to lethal sharpness,” according to Allan Wallach of Newsday. Tomlin will bring her unique blend of comic characters and personas to Portland for a special one-woman show to be presented by the Symphony on April 30, 2005.
Portland favorite Aaron Meyer, a concert rock violinist whose theatrical performances cross boundaries of both style and genre, will join with multi-instrumentalist Bill Lamb for a performance with Symphony on Nov. 27, 2004. Meyer has performed for world leaders and dignitaries as well as solo appearances and collaborations with major U.S. orchestras and ballet companies, and his unique style defies easy categorization as it deftly blends classical, rock, world and pop styles into wholly original music. He has opened and/or performed with several major artists and bands, including Everclear, Smokey Robinson, Pink Martini, The Temptations, Portland’s own Miss America Katie Harman and Aaron Neville.
For the sixth straight year the Symphony presents Gospel Christmas Dec. 3-5, 2004, , a series of concerts that bring audiences to their feet with expressive, soul-stirring Christmas music rendered in classic Gospel style. The best-selling special concert in Symphony history, Gospel Christmas features the exciting harmonies and swinging rhythms of the Northwest Gospel Choir, a group of more than 100 singers who represent the finest singers from the Portland area’s gospel choirs. The choir is directed by nationally known conductor, pianist and arranger Charles Floyd.
Finally, due to audience demand, there also will be two special performances of the Pops series’ “Yuletide Celebration” on Dec. 17 and 19, 2004. This multi-media theatrical production includes lavish costumes and sets, show-stopping choreography, and virtuoso soloists. This year the Symphony will present its own production of Yuletide, directed by Vivienne Elborne, with all-new sets and costumes, a dazzling array of both local and national talent, and exciting new segments, as well as the return of audience favorites including the chorus line of tap dancing Santas.
Tickets to Special Events concerts go on sale first to Symphony subscribers, who receive first-choice seating and discounts on all Special Events tickets.
Tickets for Itzhak Perlman range from $27 to $89 for subscribers and $30 to $99 for non-subscribers. Tickets for Lily Tomlin range from $27 to $71 for subscribers and $30 to $79 for non-subscribers. Tickets for Aaron Meyer, Messiah and Gospel Christmas range from $20-$59 for subscribers and $23 to $65 for non-subscribers. Tickets for the Yuletide Celebration range from $22 to $58 for subscribers and $25 to $65 for non subscribers. Additional information on subscriber benefits may be obtained by calling the Oregon Symphony Ticket Office at 503-228-1353 or (800) 228-7343 or by visiting the Symphony’s Web site at www.orsymphony.org.
Single tickets for Special Events and other Symphony concerts will be available to the general public beginning at 9 a.m. on Monday, August 16, 2004.
