As we edge our way into November, and I reflect on what’s going on in the classical music scene here in Portland, I’m finding it remarkable what all has happened already, and what’s about to happen. At the Oregon Symphony, we’ve just completed our third Classical series concerts. The Vancouver Symphony opened its 40th season of concerts. Opera Theater Oregon has just finished a highly successful run of The Beggar’s Opera. The Portland Opera did a run of La Boheme, and is just about to embark upon Philip Glass’ Orphée. OHSU’s noon chamber series presented its first concert (featuring the Arnica Quartet), as did Salem’s Camerata Musica. Third Angle New Music Ensemble presented music from modern-day China, and fEARnoMusic played its most fearless concert yet (and launched a new website). The Borealis Quartet played Friends of Chamber Music‘s season opener, and Thomas Hampson opened their vocal series. Van Cliburn Gold medalist Haochen Zang and Jonathan Biss played their recitals for Portland Piano International‘s series. The Portland Chamber Orchestra played their first concert of the new season with soloist Carol Wincenc, flute. The Portland Columbia Symphony opened their season with Beethoven and Sibelius. On the horizon? Rumors are that Portland Opera will be recording Orphée. There’s a new chamber music series starting up in January – 45th Parallel. It seems that classical music is alive and well in Portland, after all.
