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(PORTLAND, OR) – The word “eclectic” seems an insufficient description of the Oregon Symphony’s offerings this September, as the organization enters its 121st season with its first-ever concert at the Oregon Zoo, followed one week later by a screening of the Oscar-winning film La La Land accompanied by full orchestra and chorus. Kicking off the Symphony’s Classical Season, Star Trek’s George Takei beams down to the Arlene Schnitzer Concert Hall to both emcee the Opening Night concert and narrate Aaron Copland’s stirring Lincoln Portrait. Later in the month, violinist Augustin Hadelich returns with his gorgeous tone and flawless technique in Beethoven’s Violin Concerto, while world music fans will thrill to the voice of singer Angélique Kidjo, who makes her Portland debut with the Symphony in lush arrangements of her infectious hits. Classic rock aficionados will rock out to the Music of Led Zeppelin, while Donald Fagen – one half of the pop/jazz chart-topping Steely Dan – performs both familiar and all-new hits with his latest combo, The Nightflyers.
SATURDAY, SEP. 2
OREGON SYMPHONY AT THE ZOO
When and Where: Sep. 2 at 7 pm at the Oregon Zoo.
The Performers: The Oregon Symphony, with Music Director Carlos Kalmar, and Associate Conductor Norman Huynh.
The Program:
Berlioz, Roman Carnival Overture
Bizet, Suite No. 1 from L’Arlésienne
Sibelius, Valse Triste
Chabrier, España
John Adams, Short Ride in a Fast Machine
John Williams, Nimbus 2000 from Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone
Theme from Jurassic Park
Debussy, Clair de Lune
Tchaikovsky, 1812 Overture
What’s So Special About This Concert:
More Background Info and Photos:
On the Oregon Symphony: orsymphony.org
Tickets: Begin at $30 (includes admission to the Oregon Zoo) and can be purchased online exclusively at zooconcerts.com.
SATURDAY, SEP. 9
SUNDAY, SEP. 10
LA LA LAND IN CONCERT
When and Where: Sep. 9 at 7:30 pm and Sep. 10 at 2 pm at the Arlene Schnitzer Concert Hall.
The Performers: The Oregon Symphony, with Associate Conductor Norman Huynh; Oregon Repertory Singers, chorus
The Program: Experience this Academy Award-winning musical film like never before with a live symphony orchestra and chorus!
What’s So Special About This Concert:
More Background Info and Photos:
On the Oregon Symphony: orsymphony.org
On the Oregon Repertory Singers: orsingers.org
On La La Land: lalaland.movie
Tickets: Begin at $30 and can be purchased online at orsymphony.org; in person at the Oregon Symphony Ticket Office located at 909 SW Washington St. in downtown Portland (M–Sat, 10 am – 6 pm); by phone at 503-228-1353 (M–Fri, 10 am – 9 pm, Sat 10 am – 6pm); and at the Arlene Schnitzer Concert Hall starting two hours before every performance.
TUESDAY, SEP. 12
DONALD FAGEN & THE NIGHTFLYERS
When and Where: Sep. 12 at 7:30 pm at the Arlene Schnitzer Concert Hall.
The Performers: Donald Fagen, vocals, keyboard; Connor Kennedy, guitar, vocals; Lee Falco, drums, vocals; Brandon Morrison, bass, vocals; and Will Bryant, keyboards, vocals.
Note: The Oregon Symphony does not perform.
The Program: A night with the co-founder and ringleader of the legendary Steely Dan. Rock & Roll Hall of Famer Donald Fagen and his new band promise songs from his celebrated solo albums, Steely Dan hits, plus “some swell surprises.”
What’s So Special About This Concert:
More Background Info and Photos:
On Donald Fagen: facebook.com/DonaldFagenMusic
Tickets: Begin at $50 and can be purchased online at orsymphony.org; in person at the Oregon Symphony Ticket Office located at 909 SW Washington St. in downtown Portland (M–Sat, 10 am – 6 pm); by phone at 503-228-1353 (M–Fri, 10 am – 9 pm, Sat 10 am – 6pm); and at the Arlene Schnitzer Concert Hall starting two hours before every performance.
SATURDAY, SEP. 16
GEORGE TAKEI
When and Where: Sep. 16 at 7:30 pm at the Arlene Schnitzer Concert Hall.
The Performers: The Oregon Symphony, with Music Director Carlos Kalmar; *George Takei, emcee and narrator
The Program:
Beethoven, Egmont Overture
Takemitsu, Twill by Twilight
R. Strauss, Till Eulenspiegel’s Merry Pranks
Liszt, Les préludes
Gould, American Salute
*Copland, Lincoln Portrait
What’s So Special About This Concert:
More Background Info and Photos:
On the Oregon Symphony: orsymphony.org
On George Takei: georgetakei.com
Tickets: Begin at $40 and can be purchased online at orsymphony.org; in person at the Oregon Symphony Ticket Office located at 909 SW Washington St. in downtown Portland (M–Sat, 10 am – 6 pm); by phone at 503-228-1353 (M–Fri, 10 am – 9 pm, Sat 10 am – 6pm); and at the Arlene Schnitzer Concert Hall starting two hours before every performance.
SATURDAY, SEP. 23
SUNDAY, SEP. 24
MONDAY, SEP. 25
BEETHOVEN’S VIOLIN CONCERTO
When and Where: Sep. 23 at 7:30 pm, Sep. 24 at 2 pm, and Sep. 25 at 7:30 pm at the Arlene Schnitzer Concert Hall.
The Performers: The Oregon Symphony, with Music Director Carlos Kalmar; *Augustin Hadelich, violin
The Program:
*Beethoven, Violin Concerto
Gould, Stringmusic
Balakirev/Casella, Islamey
What’s So Special About This Concert:
More Background Info and Photos:
On the Oregon Symphony: orsymphony.org
On Augustin Hadelich: augustinhadelich.com
Tickets: Begin at $24 and can be purchased online at orsymphony.org; in person at the Oregon Symphony Ticket Office located at 909 SW Washington St. in downtown Portland (M–Sat, 10 am – 6 pm); by phone at 503-228-1353 (M–Fri, 10 am – 9 pm, Sat 10 am – 6pm); and at the Arlene Schnitzer Concert Hall starting two hours before every performance.
TUESDAY, SEP. 26
ANGÉLIQUE KIDJO WITH THE OREGON SYMPHONY
When and Where: Sep. 26 at 7:30 pm at the Arlene Schnitzer Concert Hall.
The Performers: The Oregon Symphony with guest conductor Gast Waltzing; *Angélique Kidjo, vocals
The Program: Grammy-winning superstar Angélique Kidjo is “Africa’s premier diva” (Time), and she’s bringing her powerful voice to the Oregon Symphony for her all-time favorites, filled with joyous rhythms and irresistible groove.
What’s So Special About This Concert:
More Background Info and Photos:
On the Oregon Symphony: orsymphony.org
On Angélique Kidjo: kidjo.com
Tickets: Begin at $35 and can be purchased online at orsymphony.org; in person at the Oregon Symphony Ticket Office located at 909 SW Washington St. in downtown Portland (M–Sat, 10 am – 6 pm); by phone at 503-228-1353 (M–Fri, 10 am – 9 pm, Sat 10 am – 6pm); and at the Arlene Schnitzer Concert Hall starting two hours before every performance.
SATURDAY, SEP. 30
THE MUSIC OF LED ZEPPELIN
When and Where: Sep. 30 at 7:30 pm at the Arlene Schnitzer Concert Hall.
The Performers: The Oregon Symphony with guest conductor Brent Havens; Randy Jackson, vocals; Dan Clemens, bass; Powell Randolph, drums; George Cintron, guitar; Renee Izzi, electric violin
The Program: A spectacular Oregon Symphony tribute to powerhouse Led Zeppelin, with the help of a blazing hot rock band and vocalist Randy Jackson. Rock out to classic hits like “Heartbreaker,” “Whole Lotta Love,” and “Stairway to Heaven.”
What’s So Special About This Concert:
More Background Info and Photos:
On the Oregon Symphony: orsymphony.org
On the Music of Led Zeppelin: windbornemusic.com/show_lz.php
Tickets: Begin at $35 and can be purchased online at orsymphony.org; in person at the Oregon Symphony Ticket Office located at 909 SW Washington St. in downtown Portland (M–Sat, 10 am – 6 pm); by phone at 503-228-1353 (M–Fri, 10 am – 9 pm, Sat 10 am – 6pm); and at the Arlene Schnitzer Concert Hall starting two hours before every performance.
ABOUT THE OREGON SYMPHONY
The Grammy-nominated Oregon Symphony ranks as one of America’s major orchestras. Led by Music Director Carlos Kalmar, it serves over 235,000 people annually through more than 90 concerts and award-winning education and community engagement program. Now in its 121st season, the Oregon Symphony is the oldest orchestra west of the Mississippi.
An unprecedented 2016/17 Season broke records in virtually every category, drawing historic attendance and revenue. These numbers were propelled by a 20% increase in the number of classical concerts, three groundbreaking SoundSights concerts, and the broadest-ever range of repertoire. Its 2017/18 Season builds on this success in a trailblazing new series, The Sounds of Home, which combines music and art to reflect on three critical issues in our community – immigration, the environment, and homelessness.
Season subscriptions, including Choose Your Own packages and Gift Cards, are available through the Oregon Symphony Ticket Office at 503-228-1353.
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